Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Money in the Bank Results & Report! (5/10/20)
Prepare to climb the corporate ladder!
Money in the Bank: In Your Office!
Six men and six women prepare to climb to corporate ladder! Who reaches the roof, takes down the briefcase, and becomes 2020 Mr. & Ms. MITB?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff Show – Jeff Hardy VS Cesaro; Hardy wins.
- SmackDown Tag Team Championship Fatal 4 Way: The New Day VS Lucha House Party VS The Forgotten Sons VS The Miz & John Morrison; The New Day wins and retains the SmackDown Tag Team Championships.
- MVP VS R-Truth; changed to…
- Bobby Lashley VS R-Truth; Lashley wins.
- SmackDown Women’s Championship: Bayley w/ Sasha Banks VS Tamina; Bayley wins and retains the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
- WWE Universal Championship: Braun Strowman VS Bray Wyatt; Strowman wins and retains the WWE Universal Champion.
- WWE World Championship: Drew McIntyre VS Seth Rollins; McIntyre wins and retains the WWE World Championship.
- Money in the Bank Corporate Ladder Match: Otis becomes Mr. MITB, Asuka becomes Ms. MITB.
PLAY BY PLAY
It’s the Money in the Bank Kickoff Show!
Join Scott Stanford and Peter Rosenberg in discussing, analyzing and predicting everything that’s about to happen on the most unique Money in the Bank PPV we’ve ever had!
Renee Young, Booker T and JBL join the show via video!
What are the predictions for the Women’s MITB winner? Booker gives JBL a quick shout out as the soon to be Hall of Famer. That ring is in the mail! But when it comes to these women, Shayna Baszler is a wrecking ball, and she is going to be the one to win that contract. JBL says it is an honor to be with King Bookah and Renee the Queen of Canada. To his pick, JBL was in Japan back in the day, got himself a traditional symbol of honor that is a samurai sword. He is using that as his way of saying Asuka is winning! Renee thinks Lacey Evans is winning because she is hungry for another shot at the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
Backstage interview with The New Day!
The odds may not be in their favor in tonight’s Fatal 4 Way, and the Forgotten Sons could come out of nowhere to win this. Big E says there are more people in this match than Earl Thomas’ Air BNB. The Forgotten Sons may be here but they ain’t scaring Big E and Kofi. This isn’t Texas Chainsaw Massacre, the Nightmare on Elm Street, or Up! Wait, Disney Pixar’s Up? Big E doesn’t like balloons. But what is before us is a challenge, and The New Day don’t run! Whether it’s a regular, a Triple Threat, a Fatal 4 or a Pancake on a Pole, ya bois always gonna come out on top. And why is that? BECAUSE~! New! Day Rocks!
WWE shares Tamina’s video.
The Samoan steamroller has a reputation of “being mean.” But that’s not the case at all. She’s just misunderstood. Tamina tries to play nice but it never seems to work out. Like that time Lana was her manager, or all those other times she beat up someone. Come this Money in the Bank, Tamina is breaking the mold, and Bayley’s jaw, to become the NEW SmackDown Women’s Champion. If you don’t like that, you can go f*BEEEP* But just so you know, there’s nobody meana than Tamina.
Kickoff Show – Jeff Hardy VS Cesaro!
The Charismatic Enigma restarts the comeback, but the Swiss Cyborg wants to stop it before it begins. Will Cesaro end the “good run” before Sheamus even gets a chance to?
The bell rings and Hardy ties up with Cesaro. They go around, Cesaro headlocks but Hardy powers out. Cesaro runs Hardy over and covers, TWO! Cesaro drags Hardy up, headlocks again, but Hardy pries at the hold. Hardy can’t get away before Cesaro drags him down and digs in on the chin. Hardy reverses the headlock to his own, but Cesaro powers up and out. Hardy runs Cesaro over but things speed up. Cesaro goes to hip toss but Hardy reverses with one of his own. Hardy hits a BIG atomic drop, then a full nelson spin to snapmare and neck snap! Cesaro bails out but Hardy goes out the other side. Hardy lines up a shot, runs and uses the steps, to fly! Into Cesaro’s arms! Cesaro TOSSES Hardy into the barriers, then dumps him over! Cesaro leaves Hardy behind and goes to the ring. The ring count climbs past 5 but Hardy gets up. Hardy drags himself up and over the barriers, and gets in the ring at 9.5! But Cesaro stomps away on him at the ropes!
Cesaro digs his heel into Hardy’s head! The ref backs Cesaro off but he drags Hardy up to choke him on the ropes! The ref counts again and Cesaro lets off, to run and body slide! Hardy is down and Cesaro goes up the ropes. Cesaro leaps to elbow Hardy back down! Cover, TWO! Cesaro wraps Hardy up in a half straitjacket, and uses a free hand to smudge the face paint. Hardy endures as Cesaro leans on him, but fights his way up. Cesaro knees Hardy down then whips him corner to corner. Hardy reverses hard and hits a clothesline! Hardy kicks but Cesaro blocks, only to get the spinning back heel! Cesaro staggers about, Hardy dropkicks him off the apron! Hardy pursues, whips, but Cesaro reverses HARD! Hardy goes right into the LED aprons chest first! Cesaro whips Hardy back into the LED to go after those ribs! He puts Hardy back in the ring and climbs up the ropes. Cesaro drops a leg and covers, TWO! Hardy toughs it out but Cesaro looms over him. Cesaro STOMPS Hardy right in the ribs!
Cesaro drags Hardy up and hits a neck snap of his own. Cover, TWO! Cesaro drags Hardy up and throws European Uppercuts. Hardy rebounds to forearm back, but Cesaro gives more EuroUppers! Cesaro drags Hardy up, whips him to ropes, and catches him into a cobra twist! Cesaro stretches Hardy and clubs away on the ribs. He unzips Hardy’s mesh shirt to club him harder. Hardy endures, and hip tosses free! Both men are down but Cesaro is up first to CLOBBER Hardy! Cesaro hammers away with elbows and forearms, then covers, TWO! Hardy refuses to lose, but Cesaro keeps his eyes on Hardy. Hardy flounders but Cesaro drags Hardy up to his feet. Cesaro suplexes high and hard, then covers, TWO! Cesaro grows annoyed with Hardy, and he clamps on with a smothering chinlock. He cranks on Hardy’s neck and adds an arm into the hold.
Hardy endures this modified clutch, fights his way up and fights back with elbows and body shots. Jawbreaker! Cesaro staggers back but Hardy is down. Cesaro comes back with hands but Hardy counter punches! They brawl and Hardy whips. Cesaro reverses but Hardy runs him over! Hardy hits an atomic drop to the leg splitting leg drop! Basement dropkick added on, cover, TWO! Hardy’s back and legs are slowing him down but he gets to his feet. He kicks Cesaro low but no Twist yet! Cesaro shoves free, but walks into an elbow. Hardy goes up, but Cesaro trips him! Cesaro climbs up behind Hardy, clubs him on the back, then brings him into a gut wrench! Hardy resists and elbows free, and down goes Cesaro! Cesaro gets up for WHISPER IN THE WIND! Cover, TWO!! Cesaro survives but both men are down. Cesaro clutches a knee while he sits up. Hardy is on him but Cesaro throws a EuroUpper! And another! And another, but into the backslide! Cover, ONE, and the two roll.
Cesaro gets up, spins Hardy around, but Hardy dodges! Kick, TWIST OF FATE! Cover, TWO!! Cesaro survives again and Hardy can’t believe it! Hardy stands up again, drags Cesaro back up and scoops. Powerslam! Hardy heads to the corner, climbs up top, but Cesaro UPPERCUTS first! Cesaro climbs, SUPER GUT WRENCH SUPLEX! Cover, TWO!?! Hardy still lives and Cesaro is furious. Cesaro drags Hardy up and reels him in. But no Neutralizer as Hardy back drops out! Cesaro LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Hardy rolls away to the apron and staggers to the ramp. Cesaro goes out the side and runs in, to EuroUpper Hardy against barriers! Cesaro whips, Hardy reverses, and Cesaro smashes into steel steps! The knee takes the hit, and Hardy tight rope walks the barriers. Hardy leaps to body check Cesaro! Hardy puts Cesaro in, climbs up top, SWANTON BOMB! Cover, Hardy wins!
Winner: Jeff Hardy, by pinfall
The comeback has begun! But that was a hard fought victory for Hardy! Will it only get harder from here knowing the Celtic Warrior will want his turn?
Booker, Renee and JBL return!
How do they see the Corporate Ladder match working out? Well they’ve all been to the WWE HQ and seen all the great features of the “shrine to this business.” JBL won’t give anything away, but he will say Titan Towers is very secure. Seems the locks will be left off tonight. And it’s a bit of a maze, so maybe there should be a map. But JBL’s choice is Aleister Black as Mr. MITB. Booker’s favorite moment at HQ was JBL giving that “weather report” during the blizzard. But as a fan of Bruce Lee and the Game of Death, going floor by floor, who knows how this MITB match will feel. Booker is ready to see AJ Styles turn it up and win. Renee agrees, Styles could be a favorite for being back so soon. But who wouldn’t want to see Otis do the Caterpillar on a ladder? Not JBL or Booker. Baron Corbin might also have an edge, but no previous experience really applies. Expect the unexpected, like what Macho Man used to say. JBL does agree with Booker’s idea of The Game of Death, this could be wild.
The most unique Money in the Bank EVER.
The risk is worth the reward. “Welcome to WWE Global Headquarters.” Proceed to the elevator. Going up to ultimate chaos. Incredible odds, unpredictable opponents, and never-before-seen obstacles. This ride and this building will force you to ride through every floor, go through every opponent, and put everything on the line. The climb up the corporate ladder starts now. Who is going up? And who is going down?
SmackDown Tag Team Championship Fatal 4 Way: The New Day VS Lucha House Party VS The Forgotten Sons VS The Miz & John Morrison!
AWWWW~ people at home~! The EIGHT-TIME champs are already risking a lot in this eight man, four team title match! Will they beat the odds and beat three teams in one night?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, every team takes a corner. Two men must start, so we start with Kofi and Gran Metalik. Metalik and Kofi tie up, Metalik waistlocks but Kofi standing switches. Metalik headlocks then wrenches to a wristlock. Kofi rolls, handsprings and wrenches back. Kofi sweeps then splashes down, cover, ONE! Metalik is up and circles with Kofi again. They tie up, Kofi wristlocks and wrenches but Metalik handsprings and wrenches back. Metalik arm-drags then kips up to show off. Miz and Morrison talk trash but Metalik headlocks Kofi. Kofi powers out and things speed up. Kofi hurdles and elbows Metalik down! Metalik gets up but Kofi is right on him. Kofi whips but Metalik huricanranas back! Kofi rushes in and Metalik kicks back. Metalik runs but into a mule kick! Kofi runs but Wesley Blake tags in!
Blake throws Kofi out, sucker punches Big E then sucker punches Lince Dorado! Blake drags Metalik up to throw uppercuts then tags in Cutler. The Sons drag Metalik up to double backbreaker! Then they go after Miz & Morrison, but those two get clear. The Sons whip Metalik but he springboards to below them both down! Morrison tags in and kicks Metalik in the ribs! Morrison drags Metalik up and whips but Metalik reverses. Metalik dropkicks Morrison down in the corner, then climbs up top. Miz runs over but gets a boot. Morrison rocks Metalik first and brings him up, for a SUPER SPANISH FLY ONTO EVERYONE ELSE!! All eight men are down, but Jaxson Ryker checks on his guys. Metalik puts Morrison in, and springboards for a splash! Cover, TWO! Metalik almost had this one, but it’s not Lucha Time yet.
Morrison ROCKS Metalik, Cutler tags in, and Metalik leap frogs over Morrison, Metalik rocks Cutler then mule kicks Morrison, but Ryker trips Metalik up! Cutler stomps away and then BOOTS Metalik down! Cutler drags Metalik up, whips and elbows him down. Cover, TWO! Cutler stomps Metalik then drags him up. Tag to Blake, and Blake runs for Cutler to hip toss him onto Metalik! Cover, TWO! Blake kicks Metalik around and brings him up, just to elbow and dropkick him down! Cover, TWO! Blake and Big E talk smack but Blake clamps onto Metalik. Blake thrashes Metalik around in the chinlock but Metalik endures. Metalik fights up, throws body shots, but Blake elbows and elbows away. Tag to Cutler and the Sons both sucker punch The New Day! Cutler hurries up top and Blake lifts Metalik. Metalik huricanranas Blake out, then boots Cutler! Metalik hops up to tornado DDT! Morrison tags in off Cutler, but Metalik hot tags Lince! The Golden Lynx springboards to hit Morrison, then knocks Miz off the apron!
Lince keeps moving and QUEBRADAS! Cover but Miz drags Lince off. DROPSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Morrison flounders but puts Lince on the apron. Lince kicks back then springboards to DRAGON-RANA!! Cover, Blake breaks it! Kofi tags in to clobber Blake! FLYING CHUCK from Morrison! Morrison tags in Miz and they drag Kofi up. They double back suplex but Kofi lands on his feet, to DOUBLE STOMP! Cover on Miz, TWO! Kofi keeps moving and Penalty Kicks Miz down! Then he hits the NEW~ DAY~ Boom Drop! Kofi claps up but Ryker glares at him. Miz blocks Trouble in Paradise but Kofi denies the figure four! Cutler tags in, but so does Big E! cutler clotheslines Kofi out and goes right at Big E in the corner! He drags Big E up for a rain of rights, but Kofi tags back in! Kofi kicks Cutler, Big E has Cutler up, DOUBLE STOMP BOMB!! Cover, TWO!?! Cutler survives and Kofi can’t believe it!
Kofi tags Big E back in, and Big E scoops Cutler. Morrison shoves Kofi down! Blake tags in and they have Big E, but then Miz tags in! MEMORY REMAINS!! But Morrison hits a shining wizard! FINALE for Blake! Morrison tags in, STARSHIP PAIN!! Cover, Lucha House Party breaks it! Miz goes after Lince then Metalik. Metalik enziguris back, Lince SUPERKICKS! Morrison kicks Lince low then whips. Lince handsprings, GOLDEN REWIND! Metalik tags in off Morrison, but Morrison boots Lince. Metalik hits a SUPER STEINER! Big E stirs but Metalik is on him. Big E shoves, Lince tags in. Metalik escapes the big ending and Lince enziguris! Double enziguri! Big E is down, Metalik tags back in. BIG SPLASH from Lince, springboard MACHO ELBOW from Metalik! Cover, the Forgotten Sons break it! Cutler and Blake throw Metalik out hard then go back to Big E. The Sons drag Big E up, double whip, but Big E holds ropes. Big E dumps both Sons out then gives Kofi the BOOST! Kofi takes out Blake but Cutler POSTS Kofi!
Big E clobbers Cutler then builds speed. But Ryker dumps Big E out! No disqualifications in a Fatal 4, but the ref EJECTS Ryker! The Sons are furious but LHP DOUBLE SPRINGBOARD and take out the Sons, Miz and Morrison! Metalik crawls back to the ring just as Big E enters. Metalik springboards, but Big E rolls the crossbody over! Kofi gives Lince TROUBLE IN PARADISE! BIG ENDING!! Cover, The New Day win!!
Winners: The New Day, by pinfall (still SmackDown Tag Team Champions)
Chaos opens the night, but the gold stays with Kofi and Big E! Will any team find a way to end the eighth reign?
Lacey Evans speaks.
“Now this may be my first Money in the Bank Ladder match, but it is just the match I was made to win.” Lacey is US made, and by the US Marine Corps. That is where she learned the key to victory is proper preparation and a well-laid plan. She has studied the weaknesses of her opponents, and has memorized the WWE HQ layout. She is ready to fight her way up to the roof, climb the ladder, and become Ms. Money in the Bank. So Bayley, that means the Woman’s Right is ready any time Lacey wants. But will it even be Bayley that has the belt by the end of tonight?
Backstage interview with Drew McIntyre!
The world champion gives a big Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers of the world. And tonight is his first WWE Championship title defense since WrestleMania. McIntyre beat Brock Lesnar (and Big Show), but now must face a man that has defeated Lesnar: Seth Rollins. Many think McIntyre is an underdog champion, but McIntyre doesn’t see it. He knows that at first glance, he is Goliath. And everyone knows Rollins is one of the most talented and decorated of all time. But here’s the thing: there’s this thing called heard. There’s also passion and desire. McIntyre has worked his life to get the title. Rollins’ biggest problem is his mouth. So McIntyre is going to close that mouth in Claymore Country, by breaking that jaw.
MVP VS R-Truth!
Montel Vontavius Porter returns to MITB but not the way he’d hoped. But even so, he hopes to be THE MVP very soon. Will Truth show him #WhatsUp tonight?
Before the match, Truth asks the WWE Universe at home to make some noise! Yeah, that’s what he’s talking about. What’s up?! Well Truth has always been a bit loopy. Will that hold him back or help him out tonight? MVP makes his entrance and gets a mic. He doesn’t like that Truth tried to do the pose with him. Truth isn’t going to teach MVP how to ball. MVP taught the WWE about ballin’ so what can Truth teach him? Truth can teach MVP how to be BALLIN~! Two points right there. Then, BALLIN~! Three points! Truth says he can score six in one! BALLIN~! If Truth don’t get his fake Young Thug, offset Future wannabe mug out of MVP’s face… Truth is trying to help MVP help him help MVP. MVP says he’ll help Truth, alright.
But wait, Bobby Lashley comes out to the ring? He’s not scheduled here, because he also missed out on a spot in the MITB match. Lashley gets in the ring and takes a mic from MVP. “I’ve got this one.” That’s what’s up. MVP tags out, so to speak, and now Truth has a Rocky Mountain to climb!
Bobby Lashley VS R-Truth!
The bell rings and Truth doesn’t understand why only MVP gets the night off. Truth accidentally slaps Lashley as he turns to show “the whole big world” to him. Lashley glares and Truth apologizes. Truth dodges and wants Lashley to cool off. He hasn’t even taken his jacket off! Truth throws the jacket off, then tries to oldest trick in the book. But Lashley catches Truth and fires off in the corner! Lashley RAMS Truth over and over, then digs his forearms in. Lashley runs to RAM again! Truth flops down and Lashley is seething. Lashley drags Truth up to TOSS him across the ring! Truth writhes but Lashley watches him get to a corner. Lashley runs corner to corner, but runs into boots! Truth runs into Lashley’s SPINE BUSTER! Lashley toys with Truth, drags him up, and suplexes him. Lashley holds Truth up but Truth slips out! Truth kicks low, runs and misses the scissor kick. SPEAR!! Cover, Lashley wins!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by pinfall
MVP’s substitute just taught Truth a lesson in self-awareness. Will Truth think twice before crossing paths with Lashley?
Baron Corbin speaks.
“WWE Universe, it feels good to be your king.” Look at all the amazing things he’s accomplished! He rid the world of Elias, beat the crap out of Drew Gulak, and handled the “desperate and needy” Daniel Bryan. Corbin’s team won on SmackDown, and he stood tall on the ladder. But the best is yet to come, because tonight he claims his second MITB victory. Now this year’s match is like no other before it, because it happens at WWE HQ, and the contract is on the roof! Even someone as brilliant as Corbin isn’t sure what to expect. But what he does know is that the risk IS worth the reward of having everyone now refer to him as King Money in the Bank. Corbin puts on his crown, but will he really have the treasure to go with it?
Backstage interview with Bayley and Sasha Banks.
Just as the “role models” are headed to gorilla, Kayla asks them about that coming match. Obviously they want to talk about how dominant Tamina is, but Bayley has business to take care of. Kayla brings up how Sasha’s failure to stop Lacey Evans allowed Tamina to pin Bayley. Does Bayley blame Sasha for the loss? NO! Bayley does NOT blame Sasha. Bayley is going to still win because she is SmackDown’s most dominant champion ever! So they’ve got to go. The strange thing is, Sasha didn’t actually speak for herself there. Will actions speak louder than words in mere moments?
SmackDown Women’s Championship: Bayley w/ Sasha Banks VS Tamina!
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this intense encounter begins!
The two circle and Bayley wants Tamina to pay attention to her. Bayley slaps and pushes Tamina around, wanting to see angry Tamina. Nice won’t win titles! Bayley throws body shots and punches, but Tamina blocks the whip! Tamina whips Bayley and clobbers her from behind! Bayley staggers up to a corner but Tamina stomps her down. Tamina whips corner to corner but Bayley goes up and hops on for a sleeper hold! Tamina rams Bayley into buckles until she’s free. She suplexes Bayley hard, then covers, TWO! Sasha coaches Bayley and Bayley complains Tamina had the tights. Tamina catches Bayley and clubs her on the back. She puts Bayley up top and pie faces in return. Tamina dares Bayley to be cocky now. Bayley stays up top and Tamina backs off. Tamina dares Bayley to come back for more and Bayley slowly climbs down. Bayley and Tamina approach, but Tamina kicks low to scoop slam hard! Bayley bails out and Tamina waits for her to return. Sasha distracts Tamina and Bayley trips Tamina up!
Bayley drags Tamina to a corner and SLAMS a leg against the post! Sasha taunts Tamina as Bayley SLAMS the leg again! The ref tells Sasha to stay back but Bayley gets in the ring. Bayley stomps Tamina down then throws forearms. Bayley tells commentary to call her a role model, as she dropkicks the leg against the apron! Then Bayley smashes the leg on the apron edge! Sasha applauds as Bayley goes back in and covers. TWO, but Bayley looms over Tamina. Bayley grabs the bad leg and stomps it! Tamina clutches her knee but Bayley knees her in the back. Bayley starts going after the arms now, and then drops an elbow. Cover, TWO! Sasha is annoyed with the ref and Bayley looms over Tamina again. Bayley drags Tamina up but Tamina throws hands! Tamina uppercuts and Bayley falls back! Bayley staggers into a headbutt! Bayley goes to a corner, Tamina runs in and corner splashes!
Tamina hobbles but fires up! She comes back, to HIP ATTACK! Bayley is in a daze as she staggers up. Tamina SUPERKICKS, but into a KNEEBAR! Bayley knew it was coming and she has Tamina’s leg! Tamina endures, rolls, and gets the ropebreak! The ref counts and Bayley lets go at 4. Bayley drags Tamina by the bad leg and stomps again. She throws forearms on Tamina at the ropes, but Tamina pushes her down. Tamina hobbles, into a KNEE! Fireman’s carry, but Tamina’s weight topples Bayley over! Both women are down and Sasha is panicking. Bayley crawls towards a corner but Tamina goes after her foot. Bayley kicks Tamina until she lets go. Bayley bails out and regroups with Sasha before going after Tamina with fury! She slams Tamina on the apron then clubs her across the neck. “Ten years my ass!” Oh but Happy Mother’s Day. Bayley SLAPS Tamina, then asks for water. Sasha takes Corey Graves’ bottle, and Bayley sips. Then she SPLASHES Tamina with water!
Tamina is enraged! Tamina grabs Bayley by her head, and throws her into the ropes, to then LARIAT! Sasha is freaking out as Bayley flounders up. Tamina throws her into the ladders at ringside! Tamina drags Bayley up to throw into the ring then stalks up behind her. Fireman’s carry but Bayley flails and gets to the apron. SUPERKICK sends Bayley down! Tamina catches her breath before fetching Bayley. Tamina’s rage is still burning, and she TOSSES Bayley over the announce desk! The ring count climbs but Tamina drags Bayley up. Tamina throws Bayley into more barriers, then puts her in the ring. Tamina climbs up to the top rope, SUPER- No! She saw Bayley’s boots coming and uses those to throw Bayley up. SUPERKICK, SAMOAN DROP!! But Sasha slides in! The ref stops her short and Tamina glares at her. Sasha slides back out, but Tamina pursues! Tamina chases Sasha around the way, grabs a foot, but Bayley runs in! Tamina scoops Bayley but Bayley hits the crucifix! Cover, Bayley wins!!
Winner: Bayley, by pinfall (still SmackDown Women’s Champion)
But Tamina doesn’t care! She has the fireman’s carry again! But Sasha chop blocks and KNEES Tamina down! The Boss has courage now that the match is over, and she gets the belt for her best friend. Will Sasha continue to watch Bayley’s back now, then and forever?
Seth Rollins speaks.
“Drew McIntyre knows who I am. Drew McIntyre knows what I am capable of. And most importantly, deep down in his heart, Drew McIntyre understands that it is MY destiny to defeat him tonight to become the WWE Champion.” In spite of all that, McIntyre is still willing to step into the fire with Rollins. Rollins admires that courage. So much so, Rollins will do McIntyre the favor of his life. Rollins will unburden McIntyre. This is not McIntyre’s industry, company or show to lead into the future. That duty is Rollins’ and his alone. So when Rollins beats McIntyre tonight, it will not be just for McIntyre’s good, but it will be for the greater good. The WWE Universe needs Rollins as champion, and Rollins needs to be the Monday Night Messiah. Will Rollins burn down Claymore Country to rebuild his own legacy?
WWE Universal Championship: Braun Strowman VS Bray Wyatt!
The Monster Among Men must revisit his past with the Eater of Worlds. Bray wants to rewrite the story between him and The Black Sheep, just as he did with John Cena. But will he get the happy ending he’s always wanted? Or will Braun refuse to play his games?
The introductions are made and this is indeed Firefly Fun House Bray that takes on Braun tonight. The belt is raised, and this horror story turned fantasy finally comes full circle!
Bray laughs but Braun just stares him down. Bray wants Braun to take it easy, but Braun shoves him to a corner! The time for talk is over. “Well someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning.” The two tie up and Braun backs Bray down to ROCK him with that right. Braun whips and runs Bray over but Bray just laughs as he goes back to a corner. Bray forgot how strong Braun is. Braun says he’s not the boy he was when they met. The two circle and tie up again. Bray kicks low, uppercuts and headlocks. Braun powers out and runs Bray over again! Bray winces as he bails out. Braun shows no mercy as he goes out and throws BIG hands! Braun bumps Bray off the steel steps and Bray is dazed, but still laughing. But then Braun POSTS Bray hard! Braun looms over Bray as the ring count climbs. Braun drags Bray up and puts him in the ring at 6. He follows and runs corner to corner, for a big corner splash!
Braun roars as Bray flops and flounders back out of the ring. Bray crawls but Braun goes back out. The Strowman Express is on the tracks, but Bray sends him crashing over the announce desk! Bray used Strowman’s strength against him! Bray goes back to the ring to refresh the count and catch his breath. Braun drags himself up and back to ringside but Bray is watching with a big smile on his face. Wait, Huskis the pig boy is here?! Huskis is cheering Bray on as Bray gives Braun a DDT to the floor! Bray drags Braun up and into the ring, and runs to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Bray drops a back senton fast! Braun flounders out of the ring now and Bray smiles again. Bray pursues Braun now and hammers him at the timekeeper’s area. Bray RAMS Braun into steel steps! Braun is in a daze and Bray is emotional. “Look what you made me do!” Bray doesn’t want to hurt Braun but he puts him in the ring. “I’m sorry.” The spider walk returns! Bray drags Bruan up but Braun CHOPS him!
Braun runs into a boot and Bray hops up. Bray reels Braun in, for a tornado DDT! He drags Braun up fast, for SISTER ABIGAIL! Cover, TWO!?! Braun survives and Bray is stunned! But Bray also manages to smile and laugh in disbelief. Braun gasps and Bray shouts, “I know!” Bray watches Braun stand up, and he has an evil glare on his face. A kiss good night, but Braun clamps on! CHOKE SLAM!! Bray is writhing again and Braun is floundering about. Bray gets to a corner and Braun runs in for a big corner splash! Braun keeps moving, and hits another splash! THen he throws Bray out of the ring! The Strowman Express is on the tracks again, and he RAMS Bray into barriers! Braun is furious as he drags Bray up again. Braun puts Bray in the ring, but Bray BOOTS Braun back out! Both men are down but it’s Braun on the outside. Champion’s Advantage means this count will only help Braun.
But Braun has put on the black sheep mask?! Bray is so happy to see THIS Braun is back! “I told them!” Bray asks if Braun understands what this means. Braun tears off his shirt, and Bray says this time will be “perfect.” Braun kneels beside Bray and they both praise the buzzards. Bray stands, laughing all the way. “I told them, Braun. I told them.” Braun stands with Bray, and they hug it out. Mercy, Abby and the other puppets show themselves. But wait, Braun takes off the mask?! Did he not fall for the trick? Braun STOMPS the mask, scoops Bray up, and hits the MONSTER SLAM!! Cover, Braun wins!!
Winner: Braun Strowman, by pinfall (still WWE Universal Champion)
Braun says he told Bray that he wasn’t getting in Braun’s head! Bray didn’t create Braun, Braun did this all on his own! After defying his inner demons, will the Monster Among Men ever be slain? Unless… Will Bray give “him” a turn in these dark mind games?
The Messenger speaks!
“You want to know who I am? I am everywhere. I see everyone. I hear everything.” He is the truth, and no one is safe. He’s in. Every video camera in the WWE Universe acts as his eyes, but we will soon hear the truth.
WWE World Championship: Drew McIntyre VS Seth Rollins!
We have heard from both the Scottish Stud and the Monday Night Messiah tonight. But now, their actions will decide the fate of Monday Night Raw, and by extension, the WWE itself! Will Claymore Country lead the resistance against Rollins’ delusions? Or is destiny becoming reality before our very eyes?
The introductions are made, Rollins has a far more grandiose entrance theme now, and the belt is raised. The bell rings, and the fight for Raw’s future begins!
McIntyre and Rollins circle and tie up. McIntyre powers Rollins to a corner but lets up as the ref calls for the break. He lets Rollins come out and the two go again. Rollins waistlocks but McIntyre hooks a leg. Rollins shifts ot a headlock but McIntyre lifts him up. Rollins holds on but McIntyre powers out the second try. McIntyre runs Rollins over and Rollins bails out. Rollins takes his time pacing around the ring before returning. The two circle and tie up again, and Rollins goes for a leg. McIntyre blocks the takedown and facelocks. Rollins works on the hold and reverses to a wrench. Rollins hammerlocks but McIntyre steps through to wrench and headlock. Rollins powers out but McIntyre runs him over! And again! And then clotheslines Rollins out! Rollins gets up but McIntyre is waiting. McIntyre says he’s even going to let Rollins have a breather, because he’s enjoying this. Rollins comes back and circles with McIntyre again.
The two tie up, McIntyre powers Rollins back again but Rollins uses that to put McIntyre in the corner. Rollins throws a cheap shot then more, and a CHOP! He whips but McIntyre reverses. McIntyre stays clear of Rollins going up and over, to CHOP him down! McIntyre throws hands then whips corner to corner hard! And then even harder the other way! Rollins tumbles up and back into a CHOP! McIntyre won’t let up, he dead lift suplexes! Cover, ONE, surprisingly. McIntyre rocks Rollins with a right then CHOPS Him in a corner! Rollins staggers but McIntyre scoops him. Rollins slips out an dropkicks a leg out! McIntyre shoves Rollins but Rollins dodges to dropkick the leg again! Rollins throws McIntyre into a post! McIntyre flops out to the floor and Rollins takes aim. Rollins builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit and McIntyre goes down just in front of the desk! Rollins drags McIntyre up and into the ring, then grabs a leg. Rollins wants to turn McIntyre but McIntyre powers him away. But Rollins comes back with a SLINGBLADE! Cover, ONE!
Rollins goes after the bad leg again, and turns McIntyre for a Half Crab! McIntyre endures as Rollins sits on the hold! McIntyre claws his way towards ropes, but Rollins shifts to an STF! Rollins cranks on the crossface but McIntyre endures that and the leg lock. McIntyre powers up, reaches, but Rollins shifts to a full crossface! Rollins cranks back on the neck but McIntyre refuses to stop crawling! He gets the ropebreak! Rollins holds on all the way to 4, cranking with each moment! McIntyre is on the apron so Rollins scrapes him off. Rollins aims again and builds speed, to DIVE! Another direct hit! McIntyre is down again and Rollins goes to the apron. Rollins says this isn’t about McIntyre, but he’ll still end him. McIntyre stands, Rollins leaps, FLYING KNEE! Rollins refreshes the count again as McIntyre flounders about. Rollins goes back to the barriers but McIntyre staggers away. Rollins springboards off the barriers, for ANOTHER flying knee! Again Rollins refreshes the count, and he clears off the announce desk!
Rollins stands on the desk, saying this is HIS kingdom. He leaps for yet another flying knee! McIntyre is down in a heap but Rollins goes back in the ring. The ref reprimands Rollins for bending the rule this far, and demands he let this get back in the ring. Rollins allows it, shouting that this is not about McIntyre. This is about Rollins and his duty. Rollins builds speed again, and DIVES, into McIntyre’s arms! McIntyre TOSSES Rollins up and over the desk! Rollins screams in pain, perhaps remembering his bad times out here from WrestleMania. McIntyre and Rollins both stagger up and towards the ring. They both get in at 3, and Rollins hurries over. McIntyre powers Rollins into a corner, then overhead suplexes him again! McIntyre whips and throws Rollins a third time! Rollins gets up, runs but into a BOOT! McIntyre hobbles but still goes up top. Rollins stands and McIntyre flying ax handles him down! And still manages a kip up!!
McIntyre dares Rollins to stand, but Rollins just runs to the apron! McIntyre grabs him but Rollins hotshots back! Rollins enziguris then springboards, but McIntyre dodges. SPINE BUSTER! Jackknife cover, TWO! McIntyre grits his teeth, not through with Rollins yet. McIntyre looms over Rollins and dares him to stand. Rollins slowly stirs, and McIntyre underhooks. Rollins slips out to kick the bad leg! And throw forearms! McIntyre swings but Rollins dodges to PELE! And SUPERKICK! Cover, ONE!? Even after all that, McIntyre is up at one?! Rollins hurries up top and frog splashes! Cover, TWO!! Rollins can’t believe McIntyre survived! But this is a battle of two men that slayed The Beast, Brock Lesnar, so it shouldn’t be a surprise. Rollins goes to the apron and seethes as he hobbles over to the timekeeper’s area. He takes a chair and brings it to the ring! The ref tells Rollins to leave it behind, and Rollins throws it aside. Rollins runs, but no stomp as he gets the GLASGOW KISS!
Rollins still sends McIntyre to the apron, but McIntyre goes up top. Rollins trips him up! McIntyre hits buckles and Rollins climbs up. Rollins drags McIntyre up but McIntyre headbutts Rollins down! McIntyre adjusts but Rollins is right back on him! SUPERPLEX! And roll through, to FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre still lives but Rollins is too tired to be angry. Both men slowly get up and Rollins aims from a corner. Rollins runs, but misses the stomp again! McIntyre spins him around, for FUTURE SHOCK!! Cover, TWO!?! Rollins survives and shocks McIntyre now. McIntyre beats some life into his bad leg, and he gets himself up. He stalks after Rollins and brings him up in a corner. McIntyre puts Rollins up top and CHOPS! McIntyre climbs up and hammers away with haymakers. Then from the very top, McIntyre lifts Rollins. Rollins trips McIntyre up and haymakers McIntyre into the Tree of Woe! Rollins stands on the bad leg, but McIntyre STILL sits up to SUPER GERMAN SUPLEX Rollins away!!
Rollins flounders to the other end, and the countdown begins. SUPERKICK! CURB STOMP!! Cover, TWO!?!? Rollins can’t believe it! Rollins denied the Claymore but could not finish it with his best move! McIntyre is in a daze as he fights his way up. Rollins says it’s time to end this. CURB- NO! GLASGOW KISS! SUPERKICK! CLAYMORE!! Cover, McIntyre wins!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall (still WWE World Champion)
Incredible! McIntyre denies Rollins his “destiny,” proving that it wasn’t destiny at all! Will Claymore Country continue to conquer every contender?
Wait, Rollins sits up. McIntyre returns to him, to offer him a handshake out of respect. Rollins stands, and McIntyre says that if Rollins is worthy to be a leader, he’ll shake hands. Rollins does shake hands, very surprisingly. Does this mean Rollins will allow McIntyre to be Raw’s leader?
Backstage interview with R-Truth.
After his loss to Bobby Lashley instead of MVP, Truth… still thinks he beat MVP. MVP lost a lot of weight, from what Truth remembers. Truth should be on Cloud 9, but he has no one to celebrate with. Because his “Baby,” the WWE 24/7 Championship, isn’t here. Truth says that if he doesn’t want to be lonely, then he’s going to do something about it. He’s getting his baby back, baby! So it doesn’t matter where he took the WWE 24/7, 48-7, 7/11, I-95 South, 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue, Championship, Truth is gonna sack you, TOM BRADY! He means Gronk, right?
Money in the Bank Corporate Ladder Match!
Six women and six men are going to battle up all the floors of Titan Towers at the same time! Who makes it all the way to the roof to become Mr. and Ms. Money in the Bank?
The women start in the lobby by the elevators while the men start in the company gym. But wait, where is Asuka? Did she get lost on the way to HQ? But then, she’s already up on the balcony! She’s getting a head start, that’s not fair! But the bell rings and all hell breaks loose in the gym! Otis is on Styles, Mysterio goes after Aleister and Bryan brawls with Corbin! And of course Asuka LEAPS onto all five other women! Things are much more even in the lobby after that, but Asuka is laughing her way back up to her feet. Asuka dances and gets the elevator started. Hurry, hurry, hurry! The Empress of Tomorrow presses the buttons and the door closes just in time! Asuka’s head start is growing with every second, but the others hurry to the stairs.
Meanwhile, Aleister scrapes Mysterio’s face off the bars of a stair master. Mysterio boots back and then elbows. You can hear the others brawling as Aleister kicks Mysterio out of the air! Corbin knees Bryan low and throws big haymakers. Bryan swings on the chin-up bar to dropkick Corbin. Corbin grabs a loose weight and THROWS It! Bryan gets clear and the weight smashes the mirror! That’s bad luck. Otis haymakers Styles as Styles throws trash at him. Bryan clobbers Corbin and sits him down in a chair. Styles throat chops Otis and clubs him on the back. Aleister kicks Mysterio but Mysterio headscissors him into equipment! Styles goes to bump Otis off the paper towel dispenser, but Otis blocks to bump him first! Otis is pumped up as he’s ready to pump some iron. He brings the bar and sets it down on Styles! Styles is stuck and Otis heads off to the next floor. Styles begs Mysterio help him, but Mysterio says, “That’s loco.” The others get a head start on the Phenomenal One as they run down the hall!
Mysterio hears someone in the bathroom, and it’s Brother Love! “I looove~ you!” Bryan is in the lead but Corbin and Aleister are fast behind. Corbin catches up while Aleister boots Otis back. They brawl in the hall and Aleister BOOTS! Corbin wants the elevator to get going but Bryan bumps him off the wall. Aleister ROUNDHOUSES Bryan and a door opens! Otis and Bryan get inside but Aleister joins in. They brawl inside the elevator! Mysterio catches up but they’re already gone.
Back to the women, Carmella trips Shayna but then Lacey blows past them both. Mella catches up at the door, and the two have made it to the second floor. They and Shayna brawl to catch the elevator, but that’s the men coming in! The brawl gets even crazier now, and Asuka just hides in the corner of the elevator. Shayna throws Lacey into a wall and Asuka sneaks past. Shayna sees her and hurries after. The men still brawl and stomp each other, Aleister keeping Otis down. But as Bryan and Corbin are still busy with each other in the ropes, Aleister moves on. Otis cheers Bryan’s YES Kicks on, but then Bryan kicks Otis! And kicks and kicks and kicks! Bryan leaves Dozer and the Wolf King down to hurry after Aleister. Wait, is that Doink? Or Doink Junior perhaps? Dana Brooke has caught up to the others and argues with Shayna about where Asuka went. Mella wipes both Dana and Shayna out, but then Nia appears! Mella SLAPS Nia, but Nia picks her up to RAM her into a boardroom!
Nia headbutts Mella while Shayna bumps Dana off the door. Shayna throws Dana over the table but then Nia stares Shayna down. Shayna fires off forearms but Nia barely flinches. Nia ROCKS Shayna back, but then Dana uses a CHAIR! The chair shot takes Nia out, and Dana spots a briefcase. No, Dana, that’s just a prop. Dana thinks she’s won THE MITB briefcase, but Stephanie McMahon appears to set her straight. They’re destroying the conference room. Does Dana NOT remember that they have to go to the roof? And please clean Nia up, she’s drooling on the carpet. Gross. Dana feels like a fool, but then Mella uses a framed picture of her MITB win to SMASH Dana! Mella moonwalks her way out of the boardroom and heads into the WOMAN’S RIGHT! “Ya nasty.” Lacey heads off to catch up to Asuka.
Styles frees himself from the weight trap and dares Mysterio to show himself. Instead, Styles finds a big poster of Mysterio’s (Marvel) Mysterio entrance. Styles vows to find “Rey Rey” and punch him like he does the poster. He walks the halls and looks around every corner. Styles finds more locked doors than anything. But then, a poster of the Undertaker spooks him. The Boneyard still haunts Styles, so he hurries off to find Rey. A door finally opens, but… it’s Taker’s room!? Styles flashbacks to that night. And then Aleister ROUNDHOUSES him into the room! And locks him inside! Will Styles survive his living nightmare?
Paul Heyman is having a feast all to himself? Only for the superstars all to barge in. The men and the women end up in each other’s way and they argue. Heyman introduces himself, but Dana bumps into him! A sandwich goes flying into Otis, and he blows a gasket! “FOOD FIGHT!!” And he starts by hitting Heyman with the macaroni platter! Everyone is stunned silent, but then the food starts flying! Chips, salad, dip, whatever is near! Shayna puts Mysterio in the KIRAFUDA KLUTCH! And then Mysterio ends up the middle of a Nia-Otis SANDWICH! The King of Lucha goes down while Aleister and Bryan brawl in the background. Dana and Mella smack Lacey around, and Heyman is just shielding himself with his plate. Dana knocks Mella into Nia and Nia turns her wrath on Dana. Nia grabs Dana and throws her up against the soda machine! Mella FABULOUS Kicks Nia once, but then gets caught for a POWERBOMB through the buffet table!!
The Irresistible Force stares down Dozer. The literally biggest superstars in this match leave it at this, and head for the next floor. Otis is in the kitchen now, and he digs into whatever is out. Oh, pie! But then, Johnny Laurinitis wheels up? “People power.” Nah, PIE power! Down goes Johnny Ace! And off goes Otis, looking for stairs. A janitor is cleaning up the break room as Asuka runs in. Asuka asks him where to go in Japanese but he doesn’t understand. The other women show up and Asuka throws the mop at them! Then Dana comes in and SLIPS on the wet floor. That’s gonna hurt for awhile. Asuka ROUNDHOUSES Shayna and Lacey ROCKS her with a right! Nia shoves Lacey then tosses Shayna! Asuka just worries about getting to more stairs. Nia is right after her but Lacey crawls her way up.
Meanwhile, Bryan and Aleister are brawling their way down the halls. Aleister whips Bryan into a wall but Styles returns to ROCK him! Bryan throws hands on Styles and Styles bumps him off a desk. Bryan throws Styles through a doorway and Styles flounders up. They brawl more, but wait, wait, wait! This is VINCE MCMAHON’s office! And he’s here right now!! Vince shouts at them to get out. They blame each other but both Bryan and Styles make sure to set the chairs back where they were. Styles and Bryan leave and shut the door. Vince sanitizes his hands just to be safe. Styles tells Bryan he was a wimp, but Bryan points out Styles put the chairs back. Styles throws hands! Bryan throws hands back and their brawl returns to the hall. Corbin returns to RAM his scepter into Bryan! And into Styles! Aleister hits Corbin but Corbin ROCKS Aleister! Corbin drags Bryan up to throw him over a boardroom table, but Styles comes back with haymakers. Corbin bounces Styles off counters and throws him into framed PPV posters! “I’m going to the roof!”
Finally, the superstars have reached the very top of Titan Towers. Now the true ladder match can begin. Nia shoves Asuka down and then puts her in the ring. Nia drags Asuka up but Asuka back kicks. Lacey runs in to LARIAT Asuka, but Nia headbutts Lacey down! Nia scoops Lacey and trophy lifts her up, for the drop! Then she throws Lacey out of the ring before fetching a ladder. Nia puts the ladder in the ring and stands it up. She climbs up the ladder, but Asuka gets in and stops her! Asuka drags Nia down to fire off palm strikes! Nia blocks the back hand to BASH Asuka off the ladder! WOMAN’S RIGHT!! Lacey adjusts the ladder and climbs, but Asuka returns to stop her, too! Lacey lands hard on the mat and now Asuka has a clear path. Asuka sees Nia getting up so she shoves the ladder down onto her! Asuka resets the ladder and begins her climb, but Lacey gets up. Lacey bumps Asuka off the ladder over and over again! Lacey throws Asuka aside and climbs up.
But Asuka returns again! Lacey kicks Asuka away but Asuka won’t stop. Asuka clubs Lacey and then climbs again. Lacey returns to drag Asuka down, but she still goes up! Nia rises, Lacey falls onto her!! Asuka flounders down a couple rungs but she stays up. Asuka climbs again, but here comes Corbin! Corbin climbs up but they’re confused as to which briefcase is which! Asuka SLAPS and BOOTS Corbin down and grabs at the white briefcase. She takes it off the hook, and is MS MONEY IN THE BANK!!
Winner: Asuka; becomes Miss Money in the Bank
But of course this is only half of this Corporate Ladder match! The men are still competing, even if Corbin got slapped by the Empress. Otis appears and has a clear path! Otis remembers the structural difficulties of the ladders on SmackDown, and it seems they still apply here. Corbin returns and clobbers Otis! He throws hands on Otis in a corner of the ring, then brings the ladder over. Corbin RAMS Otis with the ladder then drops it down. Corbin runs in but Otis dodges! Down goes Corbin, and here comes the CATERPILLAR! The elbow flattens Corbin but BLACK MASS rocks Otis!! Aleister has the ladder, but Mysterio catches up to springboard seated senton Otis! Mysterio and Aleister fight over the ladder, but then decide to climb it at the same time. They fight up top and Styles returns! Styles tips the ladder over and both Mysterio and Aleister crash down!
Corbin drags Mysterio up, and throws him OFF THE ROOF?! Then Corbin does the same to Aleister! But, from the sound of it, they actually fell on something just below. Back in the ring, Styles has the ladder set up but Bryan pursues! Corbin drags Bryan down and Otis grabs at Styles. Styles reaches for the briefcase while Corbin POSTS Bryan! Otis gets Styles down but Styles PELES! Styles runs but is put on the apron. He forearms Otis away then springboards, PHENOMENAL FOREARM take Otis down! Styles goes back to the ladder and climbs up again. Corbin climbs up on the other end, and stops Styles from grabbing the briefcase. Styles hits Corbin but Corbin hits Styles. The two grab at the briefcase at the same time, and Styles takes it off the clip! They both have it, but it’s about who comes off the ladder! Wait, is that Elias?! He uses his guitar to SMASH Corbin! Corbin falls, Styles fumbles the briefcase, and Otis catches it!! OTIS WINS!?!
Winner: Otis Dozovic; becomes Mr. Money in the Bank
What luck! Otis wasn’t up top on the ladder, but he was in the right place at the right time! And his celebration causes the ladder to fall over and send Styles flying! “Yo, Mandy! I did it!” Otis has a guaranteed shot at the WWE Universal Champion, but will Strowman ever see him COMIIIIN~?
My Thoughts:
What a wild MITB! Yet, the status quo was kept when it came to the titles. But I’m not as upset about that since the matches were all great. I predicted the SmackDown Tag and Women’s titles were staying with the champions, but that Fatal 4 Way was hectic in a good way, and I liked the tease of Tamina almost pulling it off. Sasha helped Bayley retain and get away from Tamina in one piece, but I’m thinking “The Messenger” is ready to expose that friendship for what it is. Meanwhile, I have no idea what’s going to happen with the SmackDown Tag Division, unless Forgotten Sons are getting a 2v2 opportunity for Backlash. By the way, very disappointed that Backlash is next and not Extreme Rules. I was hoping many stories, namely from SmackDown, were going to get Extreme Rules based payoffs but maybe that happens in July this year.
The kickoff match of Hardy VS Cesaro was pretty good for Hardy’s first match in this newest return. I was a bit worried Cesaro legitimately got hurt from that Whisper in the Winds, but he’s just a great seller. I’m surprised Sheamus didn’t come out to ruin Hardy’s celebration, and maybe even tease The Bar reuniting since it seems like The Artist Collective isn’t really getting to do much right now. Maybe Sheamus just joins the Collective or even hijacks it from Sami Zayn and Baron Corbin. Lashley subbing in for MVP is an interesting turn in both their stories. I was hoping MVP recruited Ricochet and Cedric Alexander, but MVP working with Lashley could be great for both of them. Truth’s promo about getting the 24/7 title back was hilarious, but Truth is always amazing at comedy. I can’t wait for that first social media match in Tampa.
Strowman VS Wyatt and McIntyre VS Rollins were both great world title matches. Braun and Bray had such great story elements in their match, such as the puppets and the black sheep mask appearing. I almost thought Braun had become Bray’s human puppet, but it was pretty great for Braun to have shrugged that off. And watching Bray at the end of that match, clearly the next step is to see if Braun can beat The Fiend at Backlash. Rollins and McIntyre put on the better pure match, but I do like that they made a story beat out of the tope suicida hat trick. Rollins didn’t just spam it, he made points of using them, only for it to fail right at the end. McIntyre wins and who knows what that handshake at the end means for Raw going forward.
Last but certainly not least, the Corporate Ladder match. It didn’t start how I pictured in my mind, but then it went above my expectations while still meeting some plot points I was hoping to see. Though it did paint Dana as a bit forgetful. They were told for weeks that this would be a match that ends on the roof. Why would she think the briefcase was in that random conference room? Also she did that wet floor spot so well I thought she might’ve legit cracked her head on the floor. The food fight chaos was pretty great. Shayna gets some points for getting Mysterio in her signature submission and almost choking him out. Shayna gets a bit of a raw deal being left behind with Dana and Mella, though. But in the end, I knew Asuka was getting that briefcase. Shayna doesn’t need a shortcut, it works better for her if she takes the long route to the title this time. While Becky Lynch has been advertised for wanting to confront Ms. MITB, I think Asuka will choose to take her time with her cash-in. Becky and Nia should finally have a feud to revisit the origins of “The Man.” That would be pretty good for Backlash, and then Asuka can just bide her time.
On the men’s side of things, I like that Vince got to have a part to play. They also got all the cameos from legends like Brother Love, John Laurinitis and “Doink the Clown.” And they also had the only people thrown off the roof! I’m pretty sure Mysterio and Aleister will return tomorrow on Raw, but I’m sure for kayfabe’s sake they’ll have bandaged something. I did not think they were going to modify the WrestleMania SmackDown Tag Team Championship ending. But what a great surprise that Otis actually won! This keeps the math on Corbin accurate since he jinxed himself on SmackDown. The only question is now, will Otis really pull off a cash-in? They do have a whole year to figure it out, but I just hope they don’t Mr. Kennedy this and have someone like Ziggler goad Otis into putting the briefcase on the line.
My Score: 8.5/10
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Lucha Libre
Lucha Central Weekly: Is Dragon Lee Ready For His WWE NXT First Impression?
It’s the end of 2022, which means it’s time for the LCW Year End Awards! This week you get to meet your nominees!
Lucha Libre returns to WWE NXT when Dragon Lee debuts at Stand & Deliver! What to expect, and more on this edition of Lucha Central Weekly!
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Join Miranda Morales, Dusty Murphy, and Brendan Barr for another exciting edition of Lucha Central Weekly! This week your favorite lucha trio looks at Dragon Lee and his upcoming debut in WWE NXT at Stand…..AND DELIVER. Plus, where is Taya Valkyrie? And updates on the the AAA Lucha Libre World Cup! All that and more on this week’s Lucha Central Weekly!
About Lucha Central Weekly
Your one-podcast stop for all of the week’s top stories from around the world of lucha libre and lucha libre around the world. Join hosts Miranda Morales, Brendan Barr, and Dusty Murphy along with special guests as they cover Lucha Libre AAA, CMLL, top Mexico indies as well as lucha related matches in WWE, Impact Wrestling, All Elite Wrestling, Ring of Honor and beyond. Whether you are trying to dive deeper into the world of masked mayhem or you’ve been following for decades, you are going to find things here you won’t find on any other airwaves!
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It’s the last chance to get those golden tickets!
With one last spot in the NXT Women’s Championship ladder match, and one last spot in the North American Championship Fatal 5, who gets to Stand & Deliver?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NXT North American Championship Qualifier Battle Royal: Axiom wins and joins the Fatal 5 Way title match at Stand & Deliver.
- Tyler Bate w/ Chase U VS Von Wagner w/ Robert Stone; Bate wins.
- Valentina Feroz VS Elektra Lopez; Lopez wins.
- Eddy Thorpe VS Myles Borne; Thorpe wins.
- NXT Women’s Championship Last Chance Qualifier: Indi Hartwell VS Sol Ruca VS Ivy Nile; Indi wins and joins the NXT Women’s Championship Ladder Match at Stand & Deliver.
- Hank Walker VS Drew Gulak w/ Charlie Dempsey; Gulak wins.
- NXT Tag Team Championship Qualifier: Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen VS Tony D’Angelo & Channing Lorenzo; Tony & Stacks win and deny Briggs & Jensen a spot at Stand & Deliver.
PLAY BY PLAY
NXT North American Championship Qualifier Battle Royal!
Everyone wants that fifth and final spot in Wes Lee’s star-studded title match, and Wes himself is watching from commentary. SCRYPTS attacks Axiom before the bell! Things are already off to a chaotic start! Dabba-Kato clotheslines Quincy Elliot up and out to ELIMINATE him! Quincy rushes back up but the refs stop him from getting after Kato! Damon Kemp brawls with Edris Enofe, Oro Mensah goes after Kato, Xyon Quinn has Dante Chen, Drew Gulak & Charlie Dempsey of course work together as they go after Nathan Frazer, and Dijak has Odyssey Jones in a corner. Big Body Javi throws hands on Malik Blade while Jinder storms up on Dempsey.
Kato shoves Oro away, CLUBS him, then CLUBS him again. Dempsey & Gulak lift Jinder but he fights free. Odyssey ROCKS Kato! Fans fire up as Jinder puts Dempsey on the apron but Dempsey slips back in. Dante fights off Kemp and a few others, but Kemp kicks him low. Kemp hangs Dante out to dry and Dante ends up on the apron. Dante fights off Kemp but Dijak BOOTS and ELIMINATES Dante! But then Kemp scoops Dijak! Dijak fights Kemp off, but Kemp hits him back. Quinn puts ? up top, Odyssey BLASTS Quinn but Quinn is knocked into ?! They ELIMINATE ? together!
Kemp suplexes Frazer, Frazer slips free and Apollo CLUBS Kemp! Apollo whips Kemp at the ropes and Frazer holds the ropes down! Kemp lands on the apron but a PELE hits! Kemp wobbles, Frazer SUPERKICKS! Kemp falls, Frazer ELIMINATES him! Dijak ELBOWS Enofe, ELBOWS Blade, and repeat! But Malik BOOTS back! Malik runs in, tilt-o-whirls, but into a fireman’s carry! Dijak pops Malik up but Malik wheelbarrows and throws Dijak into Enofe’s KNEE! And then Malik DROPKICKS! Malik & Enofe TOSS Dijak! Dijak holds on, but Odyssey RAMS Dijak and ELIMINATES him! Dijak is furious, and he goes back after Odyssey!
Dijak trips Odyssey, drags him out, then SUPERKICKS! And ROLLING ELBOWS! And RAMS him into steel steps! Fans boo and the refs reprimand, but Dijak puts Odyssey back into the ring for the sharks. Jinder drags Odyssey up to toss him back out, Jinder ELIMINATES Odyssey! Fans boo but then Enofe KNEES Jinder and Malik DROPKICKS him! Jinder flops over the top, but he HOTSHOTS Malik, and drags Enofe out to join him! Malik runs back in but Jinder ROCKS him! Jinder suplexes, Malik lands on the apron. Jinder fights 2v1, Malik & Enof pinball Jinder! But then Apollo and Scrypts DOUBLE DROPKICK! They ELIMINATE Malik & Enofe!
Axiom whips Scrypts at Jinder, Scrypts FLIES up and over Jinder, but then he lands out on the ramp! Axiom ELIMINATES Scrypts! Jinder grins that it wasn’t him. Apollo ROCKS Dempsey, lifts Javi, and TOSSES Javi out onto everyone else to ELIMINATE him! Fans fire up but Javi is furious as NXT goes picture in picture.
Kato goes after Apollo! Kato HEADBUTTS Apollo, pushes past Oro and Dempsey to fire off on Apollo in the corner. Dempsey whips, Oro reverses but then Dempsey dodges! Jinder CLUBS Quinn, Gulak helps Dempsey with Oro. Apollo and Kato fight, Hank fires off on Quinn. Hank scoops Quinn out to the apron but Quinn holds on. Hank throws haymakers, but Quinn pokes him in the eye! Oro springboards to MULE KICK Quinn down! Oro ELIMINATES Quinn! Jinder rushes up to kick and CLUB Oro! Axiom scoops Hank with ehlp from Apollo but Hank fights them off.
Dempsey and Gulak mug Frazer, Jinder ROCKS Oro. Jinder CLUBS Oro, whips him to a corner, but Oro goes up, only for Jinder to TOSS him out and ELIMINATE him! The Modern Day Maharaja grins then stomps Frazer. Apollo stomps Dempsey, Jinder stomps Axiom, Gulak stomps Frazer. Kato storms up but Gulak CHOPS him! Gulak digs his boot on Frazer’s head, but Kato goes after him! Jinder stomps Axiom at the ropes then digs his knee in. Dempsey OVERHEAD Suplexes Hank! Dempsey drags Hank up but Hank throws hands! Gulak & Dempsey stomp mudholes into Hank! Apollo stomps Kato in a corner then throws hands.
Jinder DECKS Axiom, then goes up the corner to STOMP him down! Gulak & Dempsey throw Hank at the ropes, but Hank holds on! Dempsey has an ANKLE LOCK on a leg to force him over! Hank still clings to ropes, even as boots are dug into his legs and stomach. Hank manages to kick Dempsey away, and NXT returns to single picture. Apollo CLUBS and ROCKS Jinder, Hank hoists Gulak up and over! Fans fire up as Hank has a SLEEPER on Gulak! Dempsey throat chops Kato, then gets Hank’s legs! ANKLE LOCK and a DUMP, Dempsey ELIMINATES Hank and Gulak! Gulak an d Hank don’t care, they brawl tot he back!
Fans fire up, and we’re down to six! Axiom and Jinder brawl, Apollo runs but Kato tilt-o-whirls him. Apollo sips free and BOOTS Kato to ropes! Kato comes back to scoop Apollo and TOSS him! Kato ELIMINATES Apollo! Jinder stomps Axiom down, Dempsey ROCKS Kato! Jinder swings on Frazer, Frazer dodges and springboards to CROSSBODY! Axiom GAMANGIRIS Jinder to ropes! Frazer SUPERKICKS Jinder up and over! Jinder holds on, Frazer gives Axiom a boost, RAILGUN DROPKICK sends Jinder down! Frazer & Axiom ELIMINATE Jinder!! The final four are Kato, Dempsey, Axiom & Frazer!
And speaking of, Kato CLUBS Dempsey down, but Axiom uses Dempsey as a step to GAMANGIRI Kato! Frazer uses Dempsey as a step to CALF KICK! They all dump Kato up and out to ELIMINATE him!! Kato is furious but fans sing, “NANA NA NA, HEY HEY HEY, GOOD-BYE~!” Frazer, Axiom and Dempsey circle. Axiom kicks Dempsey, then ducks the back hand, Dempsey hits Frazer! Axiom SOBATS Dempsey, whips him to ropes, but Dempsey reverses. Axiom wheelbarrows, but Dempsey stops the tuck to WHEELBARROW GERMAN SUPLEX! Fans fire up as Frazer springboard SHOTGUN DROPKICKS!!
All three men are down, fans are thunderous, Axiom clotheslines Dempsey up and over! Dempsey lands on the apron, he ROCKS Axiom but Axiom ROCKS Dempsey! They go back and forth, Axiom fires off shots, but DOUBLE HAYMAKERS take both men down! Fans are thunderous , Axiom BOOTS Dempsey off the apron and ELIMINATES him! And that leaves the old friendly rivals, Axiom and Frazer! The fans are giving a standing ovation as we see these two stare down. Frazer and Axiom shake hands, then they start dodging kicks! Frazer runs, QUEBRADA, but Axiom snapmares free of the dragon sleeper!
Axiom rushes in but Frazer sends him to ropes! Frazer lifts but Axiom shoves him away. Axiom blocks a superkick but not the DRAGON WHIP! Frazer fires up, he whips Axiom, but Axiom springboards to arm-drag and kip up, ROUNDHOUSE!! Axiom whips, Frazer springboards to QUEBRADA REVERSE DDT!! Both men are down and fans are thunderous! “This is Awesome!” as Frazer stands Axiom up. Frazer throws a haymaker, Axiom gives it back! They go back and forth, faster and faster, but Frazer gets the edge. Axiom blocks the kick, spins and DECKS Frazer! PENALTY KICK! Axiom aims from the corner!
Frazer stands, GOLDEN- SUPERKICK!!! Frazer hit first but he’s also down! Fans hope they “Fight Forever!” but this has to end somehow! Frazer CHOPS Axiom in a corner, hoists him up top, and DOUBLE CHOPS! Axiom wobbles, Frazer runs back in, but into a SLEEPER! Frazer pries free to ELBOW BREAKER! And then he springs up top, for a SUPERPPLEX! Roll through to the GOURD- NO, Axiom slips free! Axiom waistlocks but Frazer bucks the O’Conner! Axiom kips up, into a SUPERKICK!! Frazer drags Axiom up, whips, but Axiom reverses to send Frazer up and out! Frazer holds on, skins the cat, but into a SUPERKICK!!
Both men are down again, but Axiom hurries to his feet! Axiom TOSSES Frazer and WINS!!!
Winner: Axiom (advances to Stand & Deliver)
Fans are electric for this instant classic of a battle royal! Wes Lee joins Axiom in the ring to congratulate him, and Dragon Lee appears so he can do the same. Even Ilja Dragunov walks out to the ring, and JD McDonagh comes in from the crowd side. All five men are ready to battle, will these five stars get five stars?
Pretty Deadly speak.
Kit Wilson & Elton Prince, in suits ‘n’ ties and wide brimmed hats, want us to sit back, relax, and get ourselves some delicious snacks, because this will be a one of a kind Stand & Deliver Pretty Deadly Preview Show. We just saw a wonderful performance from Axiom in that Battle Royale, earning the fifth and final spot in the North American Championship match. And what a gaggle of vicious competitors he’s joining. “The Mad Dragon,” Ilja Dragunov! “The Devilish Gentleman,” JD McDonagh! “The Audacious Champion,” Wes Lee! And finally, “The Masked Mystery from Mexico,” Dragon Lee.
“A match born from carnage comes full circle with an encounter that is likely to be as unpredictable as the events of its creation.” But Kit has a question. How does Wes possibly retain? Elton doesn’t think Wes will. His money is on the man as smart as them, JD McDonagh. So if Elton is going with intelligence, Kit is betting on Dragon Lee. We don’t know a thing about him, and that makes him dangerous. “Kitty” loves danger, doesn’t he? Yes! And they love YOU!, fans! They’ll be back with more hot takes throughout the evening as we’re on the Road to Stand…! And Deliver!
Chase U talks backstage.
Thea Hail says Tyler Bate’s fired up! Andre Chase asks if Tyler’s fired up and Tyler says he’s fired up! Can he feel it? He feels it! Chase says Bate did great in the Great Debate, and they’re just four days away from Stand & Deliver, where the of Chase University hangs in the balance! But tonight, the Big Strong Boi takes on big bad Von Wagner, who has talked trash on Chase U and Chase U has yet to beat. But Bate will beat Von, and they’re gonna ride that lightning bolt all the way to Stand & Deliver! Bate says with mass and speed on his side, momentum will be theirs! Bate will harness that momentum, he’ll bring home a win for the university!
Chase likes the way Bate’s brain works. Duke, you coming? He wouldn’t miss this for the world. Though he doesn’t look anywhere near as pumped as the rest. The team heads out, will the Big Strong Boi give Von a #TeachableMoment?
Briggs & Jensen talk backstage.
Brooks Jensen feels pretty good, because Kiana James responded to him after three voicemails instead of five this time. Kiana says they’re on their way, but what does Briggs thinks she wants to talk about? He isn’t sure, but whatever it is, they’ll get through it. The sun always comes up tomorrow. Um, okay. The ladies arrive and Jensen asks if everything is okay. Her message seemed a bit off. Kiana hesitates but Fallon tells her to tell Jensen. “These past few months, I’ve really gotten to know you guys. Especially you, Brooks. And what you guys have is special. I don’t know how to say this, I feel horrible.”
Jensen says it’s okay, she can get it out. Kiana feels horrible… That Briggs & Jensen aren’t part of Stand & Deliver! So she pulled some strings, and she has a match tonight. And if they win, that Triple Threat Tag Team title match becomes a FATAL 4! Fallon says, “What?” Briggs says, “WHAT?!” Jensen can’t believe it! Well hey, Kiana & Fallon are tag team champions, the boys should be tag champs with them! Fallon can’t stand- Surprises! Briggs knows that, but he loves ’em! Kiana just knocked this one out of the park! They could go to Stand & Deliver! Jensen cannot believe Kiana! Fallon can’t, either. Briggs says yes, because it’s unbelievable!
Jensen says first they’ll win tonight, then go to Stand & Deliver and become the NEW NXT Tag Team Champions! Group hug! Fallon is not happy that Kiana backed out of the truth. But will her keeping that buried only come back to haunt her?
Tyler Bate w/ Chase U VS Von Wagner w/ Robert Stone!
The Big Strong Boi stepped up when Chase U needed him and won big in that Great Debate. But will he win even bigger against vicious Von? Or will Bate fail to stand and deliver before Saturday?
The bell rings and Bate circles with Von. Fans rally behind the Big Strong Boi and Bate headlocks. Von powers up, Bate holds on, but Von powers out. They RAM shoulders, but Bate DROPKICKS! Von comes back to BOOT Bate down! Fans boo while Bate sits up in a daze. Von pushes Bate down to drop an elbow! Von then stalks Bate, drags him up, and choke grips to trophy lift! Von DROPS Bate, and then soaks up the heat. Von waits on Bate to sit up, and he KICKS him in the side! Fans boo, Thea & Chase coach up Bate, but Von clamps on a neck wrench. Fans rally, Bate endures, and Bate fights up to his feet.
Bate pries free, throws a HEADBUTT into the ribs, then fires off body shots! Von shoves, Bate rebounds to sunset flip! Von stays up, but Bate avoids the elbow drop! Bate runs, but into a LARIAT! Von covers, TWO! Von snarls but the fans rally for Bate. Von puts Bate in a corner, clotheslines, and then throws back elbows. Fans obo but Von whips Bate out to throw him back into the corner. And then a BIG clothesline in the corner! Von mocks Bate, fans taunt Von. Von whips Bate corner to corner, runs in, but only gets buckles! Bate goes to another corner. Von runs in but into a BOOT! Bate runs to UPPERCUT! And UPPERCUT! And UPPERCUT!
Bate fires off shots, keeping Von in a corner! Von choke grips back and TOSSES Bate! Bate boots, Von blocks but Bate KNEES back! Bate goes up to leap, FLYING UPPERCUT! Von rebounds but so does Bate, LARIAT! Von drops to a knee, Bop up, BANG!! Bate keeps moving, but Stone swipes at Bate! Fans boo but Bate goes out after Stone! Stone panics as Bate puts him in the ring! Theta THESZ PRESSES Stone!! Fans fire up and Bate cheers Thea on! Thea kicks Stone all the way out of the ring, but Von SUCKER PUNCHES Bate! Von whips Bate but Duke holds ropes down, and Bate FLIES out onto Stone!!
Fans fire up, Bate is fired up, he high-fives Duke but Duke doesn’t seem to care. Bate gets in the ring, dodges a boot and rebounds, LARIAT! Bate hurries up the corner, to SKY TWISTER! Cover, Bate wins!
Winner: Tyler Bate, by pinfall
Chase U is on a roll! Will all this help them hold onto the school? Wait, The Schism speaks! “Attention students of Chase University!” Joe Gacy stands at a podium with Jagger Reed, Ava Raine & Rip Fowler by his side. “As of this Saturday, The Schism will be in control.” Reed says, “The curriculum is changing. Time to open your minds to a different way of looking at the world through a different lens. Under the Schism’s tree.” The students wear yellow masks and Ava hands out a quiz. “Deprogramming starts now.” Rip says they don’t need to worry. There will be a place for delinquents in the Chase U Memorial Detention Hall.
Ava says at Stand & Deliver, “the world of Chase U will fall when The Schism takes over.” Gacy says, “When the bell rings, a new class begins.” Will The Schism graduate from a cult into a college?
Roxanne Perez is here!
She’s backstage and asks if Shawn Michaels is at gorilla. No, he moved to his office. Okay, she’ll go there. Thanks! The former(?) NXT Women’s Champion is here, but why? What business will she have with the boss?
NXT returns and Roxie knocks on HBK’s door. He welcomes her in and asks how she’s feeling. Does he have a minute to talk? Sure. What is it? Well, as of this afternoon, the doctors cleared her to return to action! Oh. That’s great to hear. Yeah! So they told her that basically, after all the tests, it was a mix of physical exhaustion and stress. It was all through the roof that night, but the only thing on her mind is her title and Stand & Deliver. Well, HBK wants to be the first to say that it is a relief to hear Roxie is better. And more importantly, that the doctors found out why she fainted like that.
But the problem is, Stand & Deliver… He isn’t sure. Her health is the priority right now. And he doesn’t think defending the title in a Ladder Match is the best thing for her right now. They can crown a new champion at Stand & Deliver, get a few matches under Roxie’s belt, and then right after Stand & Deliver, Roxie is the first to get a title match. Oh… Roxie won’t lie, being NXT Women’s Champion has been unlike anything she’s ever experienced. Saying you want to be champion and being champion day in and day out are completely different. But Roxie does struggle with anxiety.
This year has been incredible, but when you accomplish your dreams so fast, you wonder, ‘What do I do now? Is it all downhill from here? Did I peak at 21?” And then that anxiety goes insane! See, that right there! HBK knows Roxie’s all better physically, but mentally, emotionally, she’s just unsure. Roxie, you’re 21 years old! You’ve got a long, wonderful career in front of you. There will be other Stand & Deliver events. Will there? She can’t think like that! Did HBK think like that? WrestleMania was the most important night of the year for him, and she knows that he never had the mindset of, “Well, there’s always next year.”
HBK took it as “There’s here and now,” and he stole the show every time! That’s what Roxie wants to do! Roxie’s anxiety is crippling, but she can’t run away from it. She has to confront it, and that means facing it head-on. The only way she wins that battle is by climbing the ladder, winning back her title, the title she never lost. So please! Let her do this! Let her do this for her and for everyone who struggles with what she struggles with! To show them that they don’t have to be a prisoner of anxiety! Please, HBK! HBK says fine, but she has to get tests, meet with doctors, and follow-ups! Okay, yes! Thank you!
HBK says Roxie deserves the right to defend her title at Stand & Deliver. She’s in the match. Thank you so much, HBK! She’ll get all that for him! Okay, but now he’s gonna have a nervous breakdown. “Roxanne, you can beat this. Good luck.” Roxie thanks him again, then heads out. Will the Prodigy be able to overcome her biggest challenge mentally to then overcome the biggest challenge physically?
Valentina Feroz VS Elektra Lopez!
The Brazilian sparkplug has been doing things fair and square, even as La Madrina told her it was pointless. But Feroz made sure Lopez couldn’t cheat and that cost her against Sol Ruca. Will Feroz show Lopez she can win the right way? Or is it true that nice people finish last?
The bell rings and the two rush each other. Lopez knees low, fires off forearms and a HEADBUTT! Lopez whips Feroz to a corner and ELBOWS her! Lopez then shouts at Feroz for messing with her. Feroz blocks the buckle bump, and she fires back with forearms! Lopez staggers, blocks a kick and CLUBS the leg to then sweep the other leg! Lopez gets the leg to SMASH the knee into the mat! Fans rally for Feroz but Lopez puts on a standing toehold. Feroz endures, kicks with her free leg, but Lopez drops an elbow on the bad leg! Feroz hooks with the good leg but Lopez fights that off to pull on the bad leg.
Fans rally, Feroz fights, and she rolls with Lopez. Lopez shifts to drop another elbow, but Feroz dodges! Feroz dropkicks Lopez down, covers, ONE! Feroz goes to a corner, Lopez runs in but Feroz dodges. Feroz arm-drags Lopez, drags her up to arm-drag again, and then whips to run and SPEAR! Fans fire up, Feroz covers, TWO! Lopez is hanging tough but Feroz fires up. Fans rally, Feroz aims from a corner and goes up. Feroz leaps, into Lopez’s arms! Lopez swings Feroz around into the ELEKTRIC SHOCK!! Cover, Lopez wins!
Winner: Elektra Lopez, by pinfall
Lopez wins, but the irony? She won fair and square! Did Feroz win the moral battle? Or does only the physical battle matter?
Eddy Thorpe speaks.
“Music is celebration. When I make music, I can feel the spirit of my people behind me. It is my honor to lead the way. Like an alpha wolf, I will conquer this territory and everything in it.” Thorpe is ready to level up, his NXT debut is next!
Eddy Thorpe VS Myles Borne!
The heritage and history of the Native American people, the fire and energy of progress, the Alpha Wolf looks to be the hybrid that paths the way to the future! Will Thorpe be the future of NXT?
The bell rings and Thorpe ties up with Borne. They are in a deadlock, Borne wrenches an arm but the fans rally behind Thorpe. Thorpe rolls, wrenches and wristlocks. Borne rolls, slips through and arm-drags to an armlock. Thorpe fights up, Borne headlocks, but Thorpe powers out, only for Borne to run him over. Things speed up., Thorpe hurdles then CROSSBODIES! Fans fire up, but Borne DROPKICKS Thorpe! Borne brings Thorpe up, but Thorpe CHOPS back! Thorpe CLUBS Borne, but Borne trips Thorpe. Thorpe boots Borne away but Borne throws hands! Borne UPPERCUTS, whips, and ELBOWS Thorpe down!
Borne drags Thorpe back up, ROCKS him with a haymaker, then has him on ropes. Thorpe hits back, Borne ROCKS and whips, but Thorpe reverses. Borne blocks a hip toss, body shots, and clinches for a BELLY2BELLY! Cover, TWO! Borne keeps cool and he clamps onto Thorpe with a chinlock. Fans rally and Thorpe fights up. Thorpe pries free, but Borne kicks low. Thorpe blocks to DRAGON SCREW! And then he CLOBBERS Borne with forearm after forearm! SOBAT! PELE! Borne staggers and fans fire up! Thorpe runs in to BOOT Borne! And then HIP TOSS! Borne flounders, Thorpe sets up, BIG elbow drop! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally, Thorpe brings Borne up but Borne wrenches out. Borne waistlocks, Thorpe elbows free but Borne kicks low. Borne swings, into a SAIDO! Fans fire up as Thorpe tries again, TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Cover, Thorpe wins!
Winner: Eddy Thorpe, by pinfall
Borne gave him a good, hard fight, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Alpha Wolf. Thorpe says he’s coming for everything, will he get everything he wants in NXT?
Pretty Deadly checks back in.
Kit says what a night of headlines! Elton agrees. An impressive debut win for Thorpe. But it isn’t all smiles, as they’re here on the Grayson Waller Effect set. Waller VS Gargano is far more than personal. They say never mess with a man’s family, and that front yard brawl sure gave a new meaning to the term “viral moment.” Gargano has now vowed to do everything in his power to get revenge on Waller, and he wants this as an unsanctioned match. Will Waller sign the agreement? Would either Kit or Elton do it? Would you sign the contract, knowing what is coming for you? This could be a match so brutal, it’ll take YEARS off your career!
Kit says he would! Only to defend Elton’s honor. Oh, Kit is so selfless and brave. That is his middle name: Kit Bravery Wilson! Elton’s here for it. And stay tuned for more Pretty Deadly Talk as we continue towards Stand… and Deliver!
Backstage interview with Gallus.
McKenzie is with Mark Coffey & Wolfgang, and says that while we saw the end result of everything that happened at the bar last week, what led to it? Mark says it was obvious they’re not interior decorators, and Wolfgang admits, they were pretty banged up after that fight. Then at this point, it is a Triple Threat for Stand & Deliver. But then, why’re they willing to defend against not just one, not just two, but up to three teams with this deal made on behalf of Briggs & Jensen? You’re asking them, “Why?” They thought, “Why not?” The Creeds made a good case. Tony D & Stacks made a good case. And Gallus is all about equal opportunity.
If Briggs & Jensen do win tonight, then the more the merrier! Four, six, eight guys, it doesn’t matter. Well, Wolfie does love a good fight. How confident is Gallus that they’ll walk out of Stand & Deliver still NXT Tag Team Champions? Wolfgang admits that Markus likes to wind Wolfgang up, likes to get under his skin. But they’re the champs, heading into the biggest show of the year, against a collection of guys all ready to fight. They don’t need that much riling up. The odds don’t matter, at Stand & Deliver, the Creeds, The Don & Stacks, and should Briggs & Jensen make it there, they’ll all find out the hard way that it is #GallusBoysOnTop!
NXT Women’s Championship Last Chance Qualifier: Indi Hartwell VS Sol Ruca VS Ivy Nile!
Tiffany Stratton, Zoey Stark and Lyra Valkyria won their way in, and now that Roxie is physically cleared to compete, so is she! Who will win the final spot to make the Ladder Match a Furious 6 Way for the gold?
NXT returns as Ivy makes her entrance, followed by Indi. The bell rings and Indi kicks Ivy! Sol spins Indi around but Indi kicks, CLUBS and backhands her! Ivy rolls Indi up, TWO and Ivy jumps at Sol! Sol catches Ivy, pops her up but Ivy slips free to shove Sol into Indi! Down goes Indi, Ivy rolls Sol! TWO, and Sol scoops and SLAMS Ivy! Sol grabs at Ivy but Ivy kangaroo kicks her away, and Indi rolls Sol up! TWO, and Indi rushes in, but Sol dumps her out! Ivy KICKS Sol, KICKS her again, but Sol dodges the superwoman punch to DROPKICK Ivy out! Fans fire up and Sol goes up a corner! ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Direct hit on Ivy & Indi!
Fans fire up with the Sol Surfer, and she puts Indi back in. Sol hurries to cover, TWO! Fans sing for Sol while Indi flounders to ropes. Sol brings her up, whips her to ropes, but Indi reverses and hip tosses. Sol handsprings through to a FACEBUSTER! But Ivy leaps in to FLYING RANA! Ivy fires up, fans are with her and she ROCKS Indi! Ivy rolls and CALF KICKS Sol! Cover, TWO! ARMBAR!! Sol clasps hands, and Indi drops a BIG ELBOW on Ivy! Cover, TWO! Indi drags Ivy up, puts her through ropes and UPPERCUTS! And BOOTS! Ivy flops down, Indi covers, Sol breaks it! Fans duel, Sol drags Indi up to whip, but Indi reverses to put Sol through ropes!
Indi UPPERCUTS, but Sol dodges the boot to HOTSHOT! Indi is down, Sol springboards and SPLASHES! Cover, Ivy breaks it! All three women are down and fans rally back up. They all rise up slowly, Sol swings but Ivy tilt-o-whirls to sunset flip! ONE, but Ivy KNEES Sol down! Cover, TWO! Things speed up, Sol blocks a Rana, Ivy slips free of the bomb, but Sol SUPERKICKS! Sol handspring SPLASHES Ivy! Sol runs corner to corner to handspring, but Indi dodges! Sol bumps off buckles, into Indi’s IMPRESSIVE SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Sol survives, and Ivy BUZZSAWS Indi! Ivy whips but Indi reverses!
Ivy tilt-o-whirls, into the DIAMOND DRAGON!! Indi endures, fades, but Sol runs in, SOL SNATCHER!! But Indi BOOTS Sol away! BLINDSIDER LARAIT!! Cover, INDI WINS!!
Winner: Indi Hartwell, by pinfall (advances to Stand & Deliver)
#IndiWrestling is going to Hollywood! Will Indi finally have the top title? But speaking of, here’s Zoey Stark! And Lyra Valkyria! And Gigi Dolin! And of course, Tiffany Stratton! But also, Roxanne Perez! Roxie holds up the belt now, but who will bring it down from the sky in Hollywood?
Pretty Deadly checks in again.
They climb up a step ladder for this segment, and says Indi makes good on the Last Chance match. The field is now set. Six women put their bodies on the line in a match to crown a “new” women’s champion. Well, Roxie the plucky prodigy is back. And since she never lost the title, this becomes a title defense now. Who does Elton see coming away with the gold? Oh, so glad Kit asked. Because Elton recently had an epiphany. Los Angeles, the city of stars, Hollywood, and there’s only one woman suited for the City of Angels! #BuffBarbie herself! The most glamorous superstar in NXT, Tiffany Stratton! Yes girl!
Kit says this could be a show-stealer! If the fans wanna find out, join us on Saturday for Stand… And Deliver!
Grayson Waller speaks.
Via a Twitter video, captioned “Will I or won’t I?” Waller calls out “Johnny Cosplay.” He’s so close to finally getting what he wanted: him and Waller in an Unsanctioned match. In fact, Waller’s on his way inside right now. Waller had security do one last sweep of the perimeter, and because he knows Gargano’s “a sneaky little hobbit,” they’ll also be all around ringside. But Waller hopes Gargano tunes in. “Because you never know what I’m gonna say.” The 21st Century Success Story is trolling until the very end. Will he sign on the dotted line so that he and Gargano can go to the extreme?
NXT presents Prime Target: Bron Breakker VS Carmelo Hayes.
The NXT Champion says, “This match is like destiny. The youngest main event in WrestleMania Weekend history. Carmelo and I, we came in in the same class, these two alpha males that are just undeniable.” The challenger asks Bron, “Do you know what it takes to be a king? I don’t think you do. Heavy lies the head that wears the crown.” Melo is the 2021 Breakout Star, a winner of NXT WarGames (alongside Bron), the combined longest reigning NXT North American Champion, the one who unified the North American and Cruiserweight titles, and “HIM.”
Melo says this has been a whole different training camp to get ready for this match. He isn’t just doing his high-flying, his mat wrestling, he is covering every aspect. He hits the ropes harder, he takes less steps, he makes less mistakes. He worked out for four hours, partied for three, but skipped the afterparty. Trick Williams couldn’t believe it, but Melo has to put in the work to take on Bron Breakker. Trick and the others understood, and Melo let them go on. Melo didn’t need to go, he’ll celebrate when this is finished, when he has won, and he is at the top of the mountain. The job is not done, it is far from it.
Training montage as Melo pushes himself. But Bron chuckles. It’s funny because he’s been doing that and not going to parties since the first day. He works with weights two and a half hours a day. He runs the ropes another two and a half hours a day. Because that is what it takes to be champion, to be “The Guy.” Bron knows people think matches are won and loss in the ring or in the weight room. But Bron is of the opinion that they’re won and loss in the film room. There is nothing better than to watch film. Melo is fast, he will try to get in Bron’s head, gas him out, and get Bron playing Melo’s game.
You can take Bron to the deep water, but he’s been there so many times, it has become his home. Bron has carried NXT on his back for almost two years now. The NXT title is everything to him, this brand is everything to him. He respect everyone who has come before, but there is a difference. He is the most dominant of all time. This has been the path since Vengeance Day, and now, in LA, Melo vows to take that weight off Bron’s shoulders when he knocks Bron’s head off and takes the title. Melo is Him, and the kingdom of NXT is his, and he wants his effing crown!
Bron says that this one is a bit more special, it means a bit more to him. Fans are torn, but Melo says Bron doesn’t understands. Bron doesn’t want this like Melo wants this! Bron doesn’t wanna go as far as Melo is willing to go! But Bron says when he gets going with that 4.3 speed, hits those Steiner-lines, Melo won’t know where he is. Melo says at Stand & Deliver, he takes everything from Bron because everything is his! Melo is HIM! Bron has promised and continues to promise he will make it through as champion, but who will have the Hollywood ending to their story?
Isla Dawn & Alba Fyre speak.
The Firekeeper says, “When the sun goes down at Stand & Deliver, a darkness will rise over NXT.” The Wicked Witch says, “The eternal horror of gullible fools will not be contained.” The fate of Kiana James and Fallon Henley has already been sealed. Two spirits in turmoil do not deserve to be tag team champions. Fyre and Isla bond together to connect their past and forge their destiny. This Saturday, they burn their opposition tot he ground. And from the ashes, their message will spread far and wide. “It is always darkest before the Dawn, and where there’s smoke, there’s Fyre.” Will nothing stop this devious duo from ascending to the throne?
Hank Walker VS Drew Gulak w/ Charlie Dempsey!
The blue collar working man was already in the 20 Man Battle Royal, but so was the Philly Stretcher. Their fight that literally spilled out of the ring now returns to it, will the student avenge himself against his arrogant teacher? Or will Gulak show Hank he still doesn’t belong?
NXT returns as Gulak makes his entrance, the Son of the Gentleman Villain by his side. The bell rings and Hank rushes in! Gulak dodges, headlocks, but Hank slips out to hammerlock. Gulak throws back elbows then haymakers. Hank blocks to fire off haymakers in return! Hank whips, and he CLOBBERS Gulak! And CLOBBERS him again! Fans rally and Hank back drops Gulak! Gulak staggers up, but Hank hits a MONKEY FLIP, into an ARMBAR! Gulak flails, grapevines a leg and drags Hank into a camel clutch! But Hank slips out to put Gulak in the camel clutch! Gulak powers his way back and gets a leg, STRETCH MUFFLER!
But Hank trips Gulak to put on the STRETCH MUFFLER! And he lifts Gulak off the mat with it! Fans fire up, but Gulak kicks free. Gulak trips Hank, has the heel hook, and he turns Hank over for a HALF CRAB! Hank endures, powers Gulak down and gets the HALF CRAB for himself! Gulak endures, crawls forward, and he has the ROPEBREAK! Hank lets go quickly, Gulak goes to the apron but Hank drags him up. But Gulak HOTSHOTS Hank away! Gulak slides in for a NECKBREAKER! Then a knee drop! And another! And another! Gulak snarls but fans boo. Gulak drags Hank up and whips him to a corner.
Gulak runs in to clothesline! Gulak shoves Hank out to then BLINDSIDE LARIAT! Fans boo but Gulak tells Hank he doesn’t belong. Gulak goes up the corner, and FLYING LARIATS! Cover, TWO! But Gulak has the arm to drag Hank into a CROSSFACE! Hank endures, fans rally, and Hank moves around, only for Gulak to shift to a chinlock. Hank endures, fans rally more and Hank fights up! Hank pries free, but Gulak pulls hair! The ref reprimands but Hank pries Gulak’s hands away. Hank fires off big hands from all sides! Hank whips to THESZ PRESS! And fast hands! Hank fires up and fans are with him!
Hank has Gulak in a corner, whips him corner to corner then SPLASHES! And then whip and SPLASH the other way! Gulak flounders, Hank ripcords him for a FLAPJACK! And down come the straps! Hank roars, runs, and CLOBBERS Gulak! Cover, TWO!! Gulak survives that open field tackle, but Hank is right on him! Wheelbarrow and lift, but Gulak arm-drags to the press and CROSSFACE!! Hank endures, fans rally, and he pops out the back! Hank gets the legs again, wheelbarrows, into the ARMBAR!! Hank pulls on the arm but Gulak clasps hands. Hank powers it open!! Gulak flails, fans are thunderous, but Gulak scrambles over! ROPEBREAK!!
Hank lets go in frustration while fans boo. Hank hurries after Gulak, they’re in the ropes, the ref is busy with Gulak and Dempsey CLOBBERS Hank! Gulak cradles, Gulak wins!!
Winner: Drew Gulak, by pinfall
Fans boo as Gulak steals that one! Hank was about to beat Gulak at his own game, but Gulak needed the assist from his new friend! Will Hank get payback the next time they meet?
Pretty Deadly checks in again.
They’re having a couple mimosas at the bar and Kit says, “Ever since we joined the division, the tag team scene has been a bustling hive of competition.” Elton says that at Stand & Deliver, the NXT Tag Team Championships will be contested in a Triple Threat match. The Creed Brothers have got their mojo back, baby. #AustinPowers. Elton still can’t stand them, but he has to admit, Julius & Brutus have more personality then say this bar rag. The champions, Gallus, well, are the champions. Let’s move on, please. And the new team, Tony D’Angelo & “Stacks” Channing Lorenzo, show family loyalty.
Imagine if The Don & The Underboss win. Kit would love it! Or, speaking of love, Briggs & Jensen do have the opportunity to make this a Fatal 4 Way. Could you imagine if the foursome of Briggs, Jensen, Kiana & Fallon were all tag team champions together at Stand & Deliver? Aw, so magical. Such a perfect fairytale ending. But that’s just the thing about fairytales: there’s always a witch, or witches, right behind. Nice one. Isla & Alba are dangerous duo, and if they have their way, it’ll be a sinister Stand & Deliver. The fairytale could be of heartbreak and tragedy. So see you Saturday afternoon for Stand… And Deliver!
NXT Tag Team Championship Qualifier: Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen VS Tony D’Angelo & Channing Lorenzo!
Speaking of that Hollywood ready story, the next chapter is being written right here! Will the Country Strong good ol’ boys fight their way into the title match to join their leading ladies at Stand & Deliver? Or will these underdogs fail to live the dream?
The teams sort out and Stacks starts against Jensen. They circle, tie up, and Jensen shoots to a roll-up, TWO! Jensen waistlocks but Stacks fights up. Stacks arm-drags but Jensen holds on. Stacks makes that a cover, ONE as Jensen bridges into his own cover! TWO, Stacks is free, and the two stand off. Fans applaud while Jensen says it was that close. The two reset, tie up again, and Jensen waistlocks to O’Conner Roll. TWO, Jensen rebounds off ropes, things speed up, and Jensen hip tosses Stacks! Stacks kangaroo kicks, then he scoops and SLAMS Jensen! But Jensen kangaroo kicks back!
Stacks runs in, into a headlock takeover! Stacks tries to headscissor but Jensen fights that to a cover, TWO! Stacks headscissors after all but Jensen kips free. Jensen runs, hurdles, tags Briggs and FACEBUSTERS! Briggs runs in to CLOBBER Stacks! Fans fire up as Briggs scoops, but Tony drags Stacks down! Tony tags in and fans rally as he circles with Briggs. They tie up, Tony waistlocks and SLAMS Briggs. Tony talks trash, grinds his forearm into Briggs’ head, but Briggs fights up. Tony SLAMS Briggs back down, facelocks, but Briggs fights his way up again. Briggs pries the hold open, but Tony shoves him away, only for Briggs to run him over!
Things speed up, Tony drops but Briggs stops short of the back drop to CLUB Tony on the back! Stacks distracts Briggs, and Briggs turns around into a haymaker! Tony tags Stacks, they double whip, body shot and knee lift to an UPPERCUT! Stacks covers, ONE! The ladies are watching backstage, and Fallon still can’t believe Kiana lied to Jensen. Oh, yes, Kiana is so horrible to have gotten Jensen & Briggs a chance at the tag titles. When this is over, Fallon is telling Jensen! No, Fallon, wait! Let’s talk! Fallon hurries off, Kiana hurries after, and we watch the ring again as Stacks has Briggs down in a chinlock.
Briggs endures, fights up, and fans rally. Stacks thrashes Briggs around but Briggs still fights up. Briggs powers out, Tony tags in. Jensen tags in, Briggs CLOBBERS Tony and Jensen CLOBBERS Stacks! Tony & Stacks end up on the ropes, Briggs & Jensen fire up and they slide, to DOUBLE HAYMAKER! Fans fire up with the good ol’ boys as NXT goes picture in picture.
Jensen hurries in after Tony, wrenches an arm and RAMS shoulders. Jensen wrenches again, for an ELBOW BREAKER! Jensen wants after the shoulder but Tony stays on his feet. Briggs tags in, Jensen whips Tony so they can DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Briggs covers, TWO! Briggs clamps onto that arm and grinds it down. Briggs CLUBS Tony, but Tony fights up. Briggs wrenches the arm, tags in Jensen, and Jensen takes the handoff to wrench again. Jensen wrangles Tony to the mat, wrenches the arm again, but Tony DECKS Jensen! Tag to Stacks and he runs in, into an arm-drag!
Jensen has the armlock and grinds the shoulder. Stacks endures, fights up, but Jensen whips him to ropes. Stacks holds the ropes and ELBOWS in return! Jensen comes back, Stacks dodges and Tony CLOBBERS Jensen! The ref reprimands, but now Fallon and Kiana are ringside. Tony stomps Jensen, drags him up and ROCKS him. Tony brings Jensen around, whips Jensen to ropes, and hits a BELLY2BELLY! Cover, TWO! Tony is annoyed, but he drags Jensen up to whip him into the corner. Tag to Stacks, Stacks clamps on a chinlock, and NXT returns to single picture. Stacks claws at Jensen’s face!
Fans rally, the ref reprimands, and Jensen fights his way around. Jensen stands, throws body shots, and is free. Stacks grabs at the pants, Jensen throws elbows! Stacks catches Jensen to a BACKBREAKER! And then a BLINDSIDE LARIAT! Tag to Tony, he drags Jensen up and facelocks for some hockey scrum shots! Fans rally but Jensen drops to his knees. Tony DECKS Jensen, then drags him back up. Tony whips Jensen hard into the corner, tags Stacks, and then Tony scoops. BACKBREAKER, and Stacks leaps in, ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!! Jensen survives but Stacks clamps on with a chinbar and armlock.
Fans rally, Jensen fights up, and Stacks shifts to a headlock. Jensen throws body shots, powers out, but heads collide! Both men fall over and fans rally up. Stacks and Jensen crawl, hot tag to Briggs! Britts rallies on Stacks & Tony! Briggs DECKS Stacks, runs and BOOTS Tony! Stacks runs in but into a SIDEWALK SLAM! SPLASH for Tony! Briggs is all fired up and the fans are with him. Tag to Jensen, and Jensen goes up. Briggs Electric Chair Lifts Stacks, WHEEL KICK DOOMSDAY DEVICE! Jensen covers, Tony barrels through Briggs to break it!! Fans are thunderous as all four men are down!
Fallon & Kiana coach up their boys, Briggs and Tony stare down. They fire up and stand to throw hands! Fans fire up, Briggs gets the edge, but Tony dodges the boot to DECK Briggs out of the ring! Tony tags in off Stacks, then helps Stacks to go after Jensen. They double whip, to BADA BING, BADA BOOM!! Cover, Tony & Stacks win!
Winners: Tony D’Angelo & Channing Lorenzo, by pinfall (DENIES Briggs & Jensen a spot in the NXT Tag Team Championship match)
The Triple Threat stays a Triple Threat, and Stacks says it’s The D’Angelo Boys On Top! Will that be how it goes in Hollywood?
As for the others, Fallon grabs the mic. Fallon knows this isn’t a good time, but this has gone on long enough! There is something Kiana needs to tell Jensen! Kiana says that’s true. There is something she should tell him. But she’d rather just show him. Jensen is confused, but Kiana gives him a kiss! Jensen is over the moon, and Fallon still can’t believe it! Is there no end to the back-up plans Kiana has to cover her bases?
Grayson Waller heads to the ring.
Security is at the ready, just as he said. Fans boo as the 21st Century Success Story walks down the ramp, and then he goes to Vic Joseph at the announce desk. Waller takes the contract, looks it over, and then grabs a pen. Waller says, “Once I’m done, whatever happens in this match, I want to do it in front of you (Vic). Whatever happens to your boy is on your hands.” Waller takes the contract into the ring, and gets a mic. “Hey! You flops better watch my back, because Gargano’s known for his cheap shots. And he could come from anywhere, right?” Fans boo as Waller continues.
“I’m staring at this paper and… I still can’t believe it. Grayson Waller VS Johnny Gargano, at Stand & Deliver.” Fans taunt Waller, “You Can’t Read!” Waller says Melo VS Bron thinks it’s the main event. But it doesn’t matter when he’s on, Waller’s the REAL main event! Because this is a full circle moment. Two years ago, Waller was trying to stand out in front of the new wave. He was trying to build a relationship with the idiot fans! He was singing, dancing, all the things the fans pretend they don’t like but secretly love. “And then came WarGames. And at the time, I was considered the fourth best member of Team 2.0.”
Fans tell Waller to shut up, but Waller continues. He went out there, he stepped in that cage, and he jumped from the top! He put his body on the line because that was gonna be his “viral moment.” That was gonna be what launched him to superstardom. But he was wrong. “Because at the end of the night, after WarGames, all anyone could talk about was Johnny Wrestling. So two nights later, in a night I know you remember very vividly. You (Johnny Gargano) walked to this ring, and everyone couldn’t wait to hear what you had to say! And because you kissed his ass so much, Shawn Michaels gave you as much time as you wanted!
“But it only took me 30 seconds. I saw my mark and I hit it. And let’s be real, Johnny, you are the biggest mark in this business.” Waller stepped out there, hit Gargano with the chair, and sent Gargano home. Then Waller sent himself into the stratosphere. It’s funny, because Gargano told the world that you should bet on yourself. “And if you wanna talk about the last 15 months, no one has bet on themselves more than Grayson Waller! And if you want proof, my proof is right here! I have the greatest big match superstar in NXT history begging me to kick his ass at Stand & Deliver. Don’t forget that, Johnny: you’re begging me. I’m your golden ticket right now!”
Waller admits, Gargano is the greatest big match superstar in NXT history. Gargano’s done it all. The records, the titles, the matches, the moments. Johnny Gargano IS Mr. NXT. “But just like your idol, Mr. WrestleMania, Shawn Michaels, you are gonna lose at Stand & Deliver. You bleed black ‘n’ gold, lad? I bleed green. 15 months ago, I used you to put myself on the map. And at Stand & Deliver, I use you one more time-” GARGANO IS HERE?! But Waller told him not to show up or he wouldn’t sign the contract! Waller is ready for a fight, he dares Gargano to come for this fight, but where is Gargano?
HE’S THE CAMERAMAN!! Gargano sets the camera down, takes off the hat and mask, and he rushes Waller! Security finally realizes and they rush in! Fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” but security does its job in separating them. But then Waller and Gargano get loose to fire off hands again! Waller bails, Gargano pursues, and they COLLIDE! Waller tumbles over steel steps, Gargano goes after him, and the scrapping continues at the ramp! Fans rally behind Gargano but Waller TACKLES him on the stage! Security pulls them apart again, but Gargano gets free to LEAP onto the pile!
Fans fire up but the two are separated again. Johnny Wrestling and the viral villain are ready to stand and deliver, but who will be left standing at all in the end?
My Thoughts:
A great NXT and a great go-home, though still with the usual level of talking for NXT, which is a little too much talking. I do appreciate that Pretty Deadly was inserting themselves all over the show to give their thoughts and predictions. And they were entertaining each segment so it is still fine. Isla & Alba have a good promo to give their thoughts on Fallon & Kiana being at odds. And I’m glad we got Prime Target back since this isn’t NXT 2.0 but “white & gold” era. But none of these really change the math in those matches as I see it. Melo is still the proper choice to win so Bron can move on, and given Fallon & Kiana are so against each other right now, Isla & Alba are definitely taking those titles.
Speaking of that story, the romcom of Jensen and Kiana continues to take some really clever turns that also help tie into other stories. The tag team “main event” of Briggs & Jensen VS Tony & Stacks was a really good match, and it adds to story. Kiana uses the tag match and that public kiss to deflect from Sebastian. At this rate, Kiana is gonna marry Jensen before she tells him about Sebastian. Which honestly, would be a hilarious thing given American pro-wrestling can’t help but have weddings. And this win gives Tony & Stacks the momentum going into the Triple Threat. I’m thinking this all leads to Gallus finding a way to retain the titles.
Opening with the battle royal was the right move, as was making it chaotic like the rest of the North American Championship open challenge segments. Scrypts going after Axiom is good consistency, but I’m pleasantly surprised to see he didn’t stop Axiom from winning. I thought they were gonna put a giant over but nope, we got two Cruiserweights at the end. Also great detail was that the final three were NXT UK alumni (Axiom is A-Kid for anyone who still doesn’t know). And in the end, Axiom finally gets what he wants in getting this title opportunity. If Wes isn’t winning, this is anyone’s game, all of these guys are that great.
Though, I’m not sure we needed Gulak VS Hank here tonight after both men already competed in the battle royal. It was still a great match, with a strong showing from Hank and a classic Heel shenanigan for Gulak to win. But I would’ve waited to make this part of the aftermath episode next Tuesday to help bridge things into the Spring and Summer phases. Meanwhile, Eddy Thorpe has a good TV debut after a string of matches on Level Up. Formerly Karl Fredericks in NJPW as a Young Lion, Thorpe brings those basics and essential moves, but shows he can do the fancier stuff. The Twist ‘n’ Shout swinging neckbreaker is a great finisher, can’t wait to hear its finisher name.
Good match from Feroz and Lopez, and I figured Lopez would win, but I’m surprised Lopez didn’t cheat since that was kinda the whole point of their story. Maybe Feroz points that out to Lopez next week and Lopez starts to see things her way. Good stuff out of Chase U, especially the checked out attitude of Duke Hudson. I think Duke’s assist was meant to screw Bate but it ended up an assist because Bate jumped for the tope. And good promo from The Schism to bum everyone out after Bate’s win. Duke helping screw Chase U over seems a bit obvious but sometimes stories go in the obvious direction.
Roxanne being back before Stand & Deliver is quite the surprise to me. I really thought we were waiting for an Undisputed NXT Women’s Championship story, but I suppose putting that on just a TV special like Spring Breakkin’ isn’t enough. So instead, Roxie makes her return, she champions the fight of mental health and anxiety to still be champion going into Stand & Deliver. I’d somehow lost count, but yeah, a SIX WAY Ladder Match. That is wild, and much like with the North American Championship, I see it as Roxie retaining, or anyone’s guess of a new champion. Indi winning that great Last Chance Triple Threat was a bit of a surprise, but Stand & Deliver could be her good-bye match to NXT. Then she rejoins The Way on Raw in a big moment of some kind.
And speaking of big moment, great final segment with Waller and Gargano. Good promo from Waller showing us that indeed, this is full circle. Waller was honestly good at being a Face back in the days of 205 Live. But even then, there were hints of being arrogant and defying authority, Waller’s come into his own as a Heel, perhaps one the top Heel at this point. I thought Waller was gonna beat up Vic since he was to have Gargano banned from the building, but Waller said it himself, Gargano became “Johnny Cosplay” pulling off the covered up cameraman disguise. Great brawl, it was a wash so no one has the math behind them, but I would think that with Gargano on Raw now, Waller will use the fact this is Unsanctioned/No Disqualification to win and just have all the Heel heat.
My Score: 8.7/10
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